India wants to apply BrahMos experience to other platforms: Pranab Mukherjee

MOSCOW: India today said it wants to replicate the success of Russian-assisted BrahMos supersonic missile project to other defence platforms and equipment as military-technical cooperation between the two strategic partners was built on a strong foundation.

Embarking on his first five-day visit to Russia as the Head of the State, President Pranab Mukherjee said, "Our military-technical cooperation is built on a strong foundation. It now includes joint research, design, development and production of advanced defence systems. The BrahMos supersonic missile project is a vivid illustration."

Mukherjee said India would like to apply this experience to other defence platforms and equipment.

BrahMos is a joint venture between the Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) who have together formed the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited in 1998.

"We believe that the 'Make in India' initiative provides exciting new opportunities for India-Russia collaboration in setting up manufacturing facilities in India for Russian weapons systems, their sub-assemblies and components," Mukherjee told Russian news agency 'Itar Tass' ahead of his visit here.

The President said it has been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who responded very warmly to this approach.

"We are also putting in place more active service-to- service exchanges, training cooperation and regular military exercises," he said.

Speaking on external policy including terrorism and having a multi-polar world, he said the relationship between two countries covers a wide canvas including cooperation in multi-fora and consultations on global security issued and regional developments.

He said the threat of terrorism in the "shared neighbourhood" is a matter of concern for both Russia and India.

"The threat of terrorism in our shared neighbourhood is a matter of common concern. We work together in G-20 and BRICS to promote our shared interests. We look forward to Russia steering BRICS as its Chairman this year.

"India has also been participating in the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as an Observer," he said.