Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced Moscow’s ambition to significantly deepen cooperation with India and China, aiming to elevate these strategic relationships to a “qualitatively new level” by enhancing the technological component of joint projects.
Putin’s statement comes just ahead of his two-day state visit to New Delhi, scheduled for December 4-5, where he will attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow on Tuesday, Putin highlighted numerous joint projects across various sectors as evidence of this enhanced focus.
“We aim to elevate cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, and other sectors,” Putin stated.
High-Tech Defence and Nuclear Deals on Agenda
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the talks with PM Modi will feature high-stakes agreements, particularly in the defence and energy sectors.
1. Advanced Defence Systems:
- S-400 Missile System: The sale of additional S-400 long-range anti-aircraft missile regiments is high on the agenda. Peskov noted that Russian arms currently account for 36% of India’s armed forces inventory, a share Moscow hopes to maintain and grow.
- Su-57 Stealth Fighter: Russia is actively promoting its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter for potential acquisition by India, with Peskov calling it “the best plane in the world.” He emphasized that the cooperation involves the exchange of high technologies, citing the successful joint production of the BrahMos missiles as a model for future projects.
2. Nuclear Energy Cooperation:
- Russia is set to propose an agreement for cooperation in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Peskov highlighted Russia’s “important technology” in producing these small and flexible reactors, which are of great interest to India for future energy security. Moscow also hopes for the continuation of work at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
Focus on Economic Dialogue and Trade Deficit
Putin also stressed the importance of a substantive economic dialogue with both Beijing and New Delhi. He specifically mentioned plans to address the trade imbalance with India.
“We will also discuss these topics in detail during the upcoming visit to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including increasing imports of Indian goods to our market,” Putin affirmed, in an effort to alleviate New Delhi’s concerns about the massive trade deficit favoring Russia.
The summit provides a crucial platform for both nations to review their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and chart a course for deeper engagement across critical technology, military, and economic domains.