India and Russia to hold bilateral talks in Goa on Saturday; several defence and energy deals likely to be inked; Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the meet will give opportunity to consolidate and reaffirm a unique time-tested friendship and partnership with Russia. Apart from the two-day BRICS and BIMSTEC summits beginning Saturday another significant event in Goa is the annual Indo-
Russia bilateral summit meet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss relations between the two countries at length.
The leaders will assess ties between India and Russia during the 17th annual summit meet, several key agreements are also likely to be inked as a result.
The summit meet also becomes significant in terms of India's surgical strikes in PoK after Uri terror attack and the worldwide support it got over its action dwelling on the significance of the Indo-Russia bilateral.
Prime Minister Modi wrote in his facebook post, “President Putin's visit will give an opportunity to consolidate and reaffirm a unique time-tested friendship and partnership with Russia.”
Before heading out for Goa, President Putin has termed India as a privileged strategic partner in an interview.
He said Russia has remained India's leading supplier of advanced weapons and defence technology and BRICS nation stand with India in the fight against terrorism.
He added that co-operation between the two countries is making good headway in all areas on the basis of strong traditions of friendship, trust and mutual respect.
Russia has further said that apart from bilateral issues the two leaders will also take up international issues such as Syria and Afghanistan apart from the war against terror.
Cooperation in nuclear energy and military technology will also figure prominently.
Ahead of the meet, India and Russia have already finalised a general framework agreement and credit protocol for setting up units five and six at the Kudankulam nuclear plant.
A formal announcement is likely after the summit level talks. A ceremony of "first pour" of concrete for the foundation of Unit 3 and 4 and an inaugural ceremony of Unit 2 of the Kudankulam plant is also on the anvil.
Both leaders had jointly dedicated the first unit to the nation on the 10th of August.
Kudankulam 1 was jointly built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Russia's Rosatom and it started generating electricity in 2013.
The two nations can sign a multi-billion dollar deal for S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile systems.
It has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.
The deal will make India only the 2nd country in the world to buy this system from Russia after China.
Other likely agreements involve purchase of MI-17V5 helicopters, Infantry Combat Vehicles, 2 diesel-electric submarines and lease of a nuclear submarine.
India and Russia have been trusted friends for decades. It acquires added significance in the current global scenario. Saturday's summit meet could begin a new chapter in bilateral ties.
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