Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation switching to joint R&D projects - joint statement
MOSCOW. Dec 6 (Interfax) - Military-technical cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi is switching to the joint development and joint of production of cutting-edge defensive technologies and systems, according to a joint statement adopted following the 21st Russian-Indian summit, titled "Russia-India: partnership for peace, progress and prosperity."
"Military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been the pillar of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. Responding to India's quest for self-sufficiency, the partnership is reorienting presently to joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defense technology and systems," it said.
"The sides expressed satisfaction with regular military contacts and joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the two countries which reached unprecedented heights this year with three exercises being held within a span of 60 days besides simultaneous participation of large Indian contingents in the International Army Games," according to the joint statement, which was published on the Kremlin website on Monday.
"The Russian side deeply appreciated participation of INS Tabar in the 325th Russian Navy Day celebrations. The sides agreed to continue and expand regular defense dialogue, mutual training and exercises, subject matter expert exchanges and other activities under the aegis of India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation," it said.
The parties also noted the successful implementation of the 2011-2020 Long-Term Program for Military and Technical Cooperation and welcomed the signing by the Russian and Indian governments of a new long-term plan for the period 2021-2031, it said.
Moscow and New Delhi reiterated "their commitment to upgrade the defense cooperation, including facilitating joint development and production of military equipment, components and spare parts, enhancing the after-sales service system, progress towards mutual recognition of quality control and regular joint exercises of the Armed Forces of the two countries."
"The two leaders agreed that for peace, stability and mutual economic development, there is a need for the two countries to work closely together in the advanced and emerging fields of defense technology and for the Armed Forces of the two countries to work together in niche domains of military capabilities," the document said.