India,Russia agree to roadmap for development of defence co-operation

India and Russia have agreed to a roadmap for the development of bilateral defence cooperation. The roadmap includes specific activities to be concluded by both sides, and aims to enhance cooperation in the field of political and military dialogue, exercises, exchange of visits, military cooperation and training of military personnel. 

The agreement was reached at the 17th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation held in Moscow yesterday. The meeting took place was held under the Co-Chairmanship of the Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and the Defence Minister of Russia Sergei Shoigu.

A Defence Ministry Press release issued in New Delhi said, Mr. Jaitley conveyed the utmost importance of having a robust and reliable after-sale support mechanism for serviceability of Russian origin equipment and new opportunities for Russian companies in defence manufacturing sector, as part of the 'Make in India' programme. Both sides also agreed to conclude various on-going negotiations for different platforms, as well as restructure the Inter-governmental Commission to enhance military to military



cooperation. 

India's military technical cooperation with Russia is one of the key pillars of its relations with Russia.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the concrete progress that has been made in all areas of cooperation since the last meeting of the Commission in October 2016. 

The roadmap includes specific activities to be concluded by both sides, and aims to enhance cooperation in the field of political and military dialogue, exercises, exchange of visits, military cooperation and training of military personnel. Defence Minister Arun Jaitley conveyed the utmost importance of having a robust and reliable after-sale support mechanism for serviceability of Russian origin equipment and new opportunities for Russian companies in defence manufacturing sector, as part of the 'Make in India' programme. 

India and Russia agreed to conclude various on-going negotiations for different platforms, as well as restructure the Inter-governmental Commission to enhance military to military cooperation. India's military technical cooperation with Russia is one of the key pillars of its relations with Moscow.