HIGHLIGHTS

1. Talks between India and Russia regarding spare parts
2. PM Modi emphasizes on co-production of military hardware

Moscow. Russia on Tuesday agreed to address India's concerns over delays in the supply of spare parts for Russian-origin military platforms by setting up joint production facilities in India. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of delay in supplies with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit. The two leaders discussed various aspects of India-Russia defence relations at the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit here.

Putin and Modi agreed on this

Vinay Kwatra said, there was a consensus on both sides that this work would be expedited, including setting up joint venture partnerships in India to look at some of these spare parts, particularly the more critical spare parts, so that we can address this challenge in a meaningful way. There have been inordinate delays from Russia in the supply of spare parts for various Russian-built platforms to the Indian armed forces, causing concerns in India. The Foreign Secretary was addressing a press conference after talks between Modi and Putin. Vinay Kwatra said that both Prime Minister Modi and Putin emphasized on the large area of ​​co-production of military hardware.

We aim to add new equipment- Vinay Kwatra

He said that we already have some good examples of co-production in the defence sector and we would like to work on it and if required, add new equipment also as part of co-production. Russia has been a major supplier of military platforms and hardware to India for the last seven decades.A joint statement said the two sides agreed to "encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, assemblies and other products for maintenance of Russian origin weapons and defence equipment under the Make-in-India programme through technology transfer".It also mentions setting up of joint ventures to meet the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and export to third-friendly countries with the approval of both sides.

Ukraine is also keeping an eye on PM Modi's visit

In this regard, the two sides agreed to establish a new working group on technical cooperation and to discuss its provisions during the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation, it said.It said military and military-technical cooperation has traditionally been the basis of the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.Given India's desire for self-reliance, the partnership is currently moving towards joint research and development, co-development and joint production of advanced defence technologies and systems.In response to India's self-reliance, this partnership reaffirms the commitment to maintain the momentum of joint military cooperation activities and expand military delegation exchanges, the statement said.

PM Modi on Monday began his two-day visit to Russia for the India-Russia annual summit, which is being closely watched by the West due to the Ukraine conflict. It said development and joint production of advanced defence technology and systems will be discussed.