Russia, India to strengthen security

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, JUNE 28. The Defence Ministers of Russia and India have vowed to cement their strategic partnership in the interests of regional and global stability.

``Strategic partnership between India and Russia is based on shared national interests and is aimed at promoting stability in South Asia and the Pacific,'' the Russian Defence Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev, said opening a meeting with the visiting Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, on Tuesday.

``Traditionally, close trust-based relations between our countries are one of Russia's top foreign policy priorities,'' Marshal Sergeyev said. He voiced the hope that the current visit of the Indian Defence Minister would result in a further deepening and expansion of defence ties between the two countries.

Mr. Fernandes reciprocated Marshal Sergeyev's sentiments and said the two countries shared many security concerns and needed to work together.

``Now that we have started a strategic dialogue, our friendship will grow with every passing day,'' he said adding that the upcoming visit of the Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, to India ``will further seal our friendship and take it to new heights.''

The two sides have agreed to upgrade their defence ties by setting up a ministerial-level commission for military- technical cooperation. Russian officials said deals would be signed shortly for the sale of T-90 tanks, the refit of the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, and licence production of SU- 30MKI multi-role fighters in India. Talks were also underway for joint production of air-defence systems.

During his visit, Mr. Fernandes called on Mr. Putin, and met the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Ilya Klebanov, in charge of Defence.

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Section  : International
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