The 17th Meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation concluded in Moscow today under the Co-Chairmanship of the Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and the Defence Minister of Russia Mr. Sergei Shoigu.
The discussions were productive and held in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship. India’s military technical cooperation with Russia is one of the key pillars of our relations with Russia.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the concrete progress that has been made in all areas of cooperation since the last meeting of the Commission in October 2016.
In a major outcome, both sides have agreed to a roadmap for the development of bilateral defence cooperation for which a Protocol has been signed. The roadmap includes specific activities to be concluded by both sides, and aims to enhance cooperation in the field of political and military dialogue, exercises, exchange of visits, military cooperation and training of military personnel.
The Defence Minister Shri Jaitley conveyed the utmost importance of having a robust and reliable after-sale support mechanism with regard to serviceability of Russian origin equipment and new opportunities for participation of Russian companies in the Indian defence manufacturing sector, as part of the ‘Make in India’ programme, under the new strategic partnership policy of the Government of India.
Both sides also agreed to conclude various ongoing negotiations for different platforms, as well as restructure the Intergovernmental Commission to enhance military to military cooperation.
It was decided that the next meeting of the Commission will take place in India next year on mutually convenient dates.