From deals to pacts, expansive India-Russia defence agenda next month

What is the News?

The Russian President will come to India for the 21st annual summit between India and Russia. During this visit, many deals and agreements are expected to be signed.

What are the deals and agreements expected to be signed between India and Russia?

2+2 Meeting:  India’s Defence Minister and External affairs minister will hold the first 2+2 meeting with Russia. India has similar dialogues only with the US, Japan and Australia.

Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement(RELOS): It is expected to be signed during the visit. It is meant to be a reciprocal arrangement by which the two nations can use the military logistics facilities while on a visit to each other’s ports, bases, and military installations.

A 10-year military-technical agreement between India and Russia is likely to be signed. The agreement could help in the transfer of new-age technologies to India right up to 2031.

Defence Weapons Deals: India and Russia are expected to sign deals on Kalashnikov assault rifles and very-short range air defence missile systems (VSHORADS).  

S-400 Missiles: The meeting will also include talks on the fast-tracking of deliveries for the five S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile squadrons under the deal signed in 2018. 

Akula Class Submarine: India also wants to induct the Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine called Chakra-III.  Under the 2019 pact, Russia will deliver the Akula class submarine for a period of 10 years by 2025-2026.

Source: This post is based on the article “From deals to pacts, expansive India-Russia defence agenda next month” published in TOI on 28th November 2021.