India thanks Russia for unequivocal support after Uri attack; signs 16 pacts

BENAULIM: Satisfied with Moscow’s assurance on not adopting any measure that is detrimental to Delhi’s security interests (read just concluded Pak-Russia military exercise) India's massive Russia push at the 17th annual Summit here on Saturday witnessed slew of nearly 16 pacts and three announcements -- additional nuclear reactors, military helicopters, air defence system, frigates additonal investments in hydro-carbon sector and creation of joint investment fund as President Vladimir Putin comitted support against Pak-sposored terror.

Putin and his host PM Narendra Modi also unveiled through video-conferencing units three and four of Kudankulam Nuclear pwer complex even as the two sides could not conclude pact for 5th and 6th units of the nuclear power plants and decided to continue discussions on line of credit for setting up these two units.

While the shot in India’s arm was Russia’s unequivocal support against Pak sponsored Uri attacks and measures to fight cross border terror, Delhi and Moscow took significant steps in expanding economic and investment partnership which has remained far below potential despite strong political ties. Russia-India Investment Fund (one billion usd), MoU on trade and investments and number of hydrocarbon deals signed on Saturday hopes to significantly boost economic partnership.

Underlining that a old friend is better than two new friends with reference to old ties with Moscow Modi in his press statement following two hours of dialogue with Putin said Russia, "an old friend of India", has cleared its stand on terrorism and backs New Delhi in its fight against terror.

"Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said in unequivocal terms with Putin by his side.

Modi said he deeply appreciated Russia's support of "our actions to fight cross-border terrorism that threatens our entire region". The PM also referred to convergence of views on developments in Afghanistan and West Asia.

The remarks are significant as in the wake of attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists on Indian Army camps, to which New Delhi responded with surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC). Russia was the first major country to support India's surgical strikes.

Praising Putin's continuous personal attention on strengthening ties with India, Modi pointed out, "Your personal attention has been a source of strength to our relationship, your leadership provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership. Ours is a truly privileged relationship." Russian special forces could collaborate with Indian counterparts to fight terror, informed Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russia's Rostec holding company and close aide of Putin.

Later briefing media Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said that India was satisfied with Russian assertion that it will not undertake any step that is detrimental to Delhi's security interests (with reference to Pak-Russia military exercise which was raised by India with Moscow).

The two sides put in place a joint document for global peace and stability besides a separate paper listing three dozen activities planned to mark 70th year of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2017. Jainshankar explained that economic element of partnership or friendship is priority and this boost through this Summit.

Notwithstanding Russian argument of having minimum engagement with Pakistan to fight terror in Eurasian region Modi will express concern when he meets Putin over the military exercise in Cherat as India seeks to build narrative against Pak-sponsored terror. Delhi and Moscow will seek to expand their counter-terror partnership and cyber security pact will be a shot in arm to fight radical forces, officials indicated. Both sides

India views Russia as a hard power which could assist in key strategic sectors. Three major defence related pacts were signed at the Summit as Moscow hopes to continue as India’s pre-eminent defence supplier. Agreements on Kamov helicopters (jointly manufactured & supply) frigates for the Indian Navy and air defence system -- S-400. India has been impressed with air defence system that Russia has deployed in Syria. According to Chemezov S 400 is the world's most modern air defence system. India and Russia also decided to annual military-industrial conference.

Modi also announced that possibility of gas pipeline from Russia to India besides FTA with Eurasian Economic Union launched by Russia enabling access for India in Eurasia.

Expanding its decade old space cooperation India also received Russian expertise for its Regional Navigation satellite -- NAVIC.