Moscow, Russia on Tuesday agreed to address New Delhi's concerns over delays in the supply of spare parts for Russian-origin military platforms by establishing joint production facilities in India.
External Affairs Minister Vinay Kwatra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of supply delays with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit talks.
The two leaders discussed various facets of India-Russia defense ties at the 22nd annual India-Russia summit here.
"There was a general feeling of agreement on both sides that this would be accelerated, including by establishing joint venture partnerships in India to look at some of these spare parts, particularly the most critical ones, so that we can address the challenge of a meaningful way," Kwatra said.
There have been inordinate delays by Russia in supplying spare parts of several Russian-origin platforms to the Indian armed forces, raising concerns in New Delhi.
The foreign secretary was addressing a press conference after talks between Modi and Putin.
Kwatra said both Modi and Putin emphasized the broader scope of co-production of military equipment.
"We already have some good examples of co-production in the defense field and we would very much like to build on them and add new equipment if necessary as part of the co-production," he said.
Russia has been a major supplier of military platforms and hardware to India for the last seven decades.
A joint statement said both sides agreed to "encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for the maintenance of weapons and defense equipment of Russian origin under the Make-in-India program through transfer of technology".
The creation of joint ventures to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces was also mentioned, as well as subsequent export to friendly third countries with the approval of both parties.
"In this regard, the parties agreed to establish a new Working Group on Technological Cooperation and discuss its provisions during the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation," he said.
He said military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been the pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.
"In response to India's quest for self-reliance, the partnership is currently reorienting towards joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defense technology and systems," he said.
"The parties confirmed the commitment to maintain the momentum of joint military cooperation activities and expand exchanges of military delegations," the statement added.
Modi on Monday began his two-day visit to Russia for the annual India-Russia summit that has been closely watched by the West in view of the Ukraine conflict.
External Affairs Minister Vinay Kwatra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of supply delays with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit talks.
The two leaders discussed various facets of India-Russia defense ties at the 22nd annual India-Russia summit here.
"There was a general feeling of agreement on both sides that this would be accelerated, including by establishing joint venture partnerships in India to look at some of these spare parts, particularly the most critical ones, so that we can address the challenge of a meaningful way," Kwatra said.
There have been inordinate delays by Russia in supplying spare parts of several Russian-origin platforms to the Indian armed forces, raising concerns in New Delhi.
The foreign secretary was addressing a press conference after talks between Modi and Putin.
Kwatra said both Modi and Putin emphasized the broader scope of co-production of military equipment.
"We already have some good examples of co-production in the defense field and we would very much like to build on them and add new equipment if necessary as part of the co-production," he said.
Russia has been a major supplier of military platforms and hardware to India for the last seven decades.
A joint statement said both sides agreed to "encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for the maintenance of weapons and defense equipment of Russian origin under the Make-in-India program through transfer of technology".
The creation of joint ventures to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces was also mentioned, as well as subsequent export to friendly third countries with the approval of both parties.
"In this regard, the parties agreed to establish a new Working Group on Technological Cooperation and discuss its provisions during the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation," he said.
He said military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been the pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.
"In response to India's quest for self-reliance, the partnership is currently reorienting towards joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defense technology and systems," he said.
"The parties confirmed the commitment to maintain the momentum of joint military cooperation activities and expand exchanges of military delegations," the statement added.
Modi on Monday began his two-day visit to Russia for the annual India-Russia summit that has been closely watched by the West in view of the Ukraine conflict.
