Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : India and Russia have reaffirmed their long-standing defense relationship in high-level talks held in New Delhi, focusing on expediting crucial military projects, including the final deliveries of the S-400 air defense system and a massive upgrade for the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet.
The discussions, led by Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and senior Russian officials, aimed to address ongoing challenges and push forward on key collaborations. This meeting underscores the resilience of the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between the two nations, even amid complex global geopolitical shifts.
A top priority on the agenda was the modernization of India's Su-30MKI fighter jets, the backbone of the Indian Air Force. The comprehensive upgrade program is set to equip the aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics, more powerful radar, and advanced weapon systems, significantly enhancing their combat capabilities for decades to come. The talks focused on finalizing the specifics of this joint project, which aligns with India's push for domestic manufacturing.
Another critical point was the S-400 Triumf air defense system. India has already received three of the five contracted missile systems, which are vital for protecting its airspace. The discussions centered on ensuring the timely delivery of the remaining two systems, a process that has faced logistical hurdles.
Beyond these flagship projects, the two sides tackled the persistent issue of maintenance and the supply of spare parts for India's extensive inventory of Russian-made military equipment. To overcome these challenges, a major emphasis was placed on increasing the joint production of components and military hardware within India. This move is part of India’s broader “Make in India” initiative, aimed at building self-reliance in the defense sector through technology transfer and local manufacturing partnerships.
The meeting concluded with both nations committing to strengthening their military and technical cooperation, signaling that despite a changing world, the India-Russia defense axis remains a core pillar of their strategic relationship.
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