Parrikar invites Russian defence industry to ‘Make in India’

India and Russia today re-affirmed their commitment to the long-standing cooperation in the area of defence Cooperation as the two sides reviewed the ongoing area of defence cooperation and projects.

Visiting Russian minister of defence Sergei Shoigu today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Manohar Parrikar.

During bilateral talks India's defence minister Manohar Parrikar mentioned India's policy of 'Make in India' and sought Russian defence enterprises' participation in a big way.

Both defence ministers recalled the constructive discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin last month and resolved to carry forward the understanding reached during the summit meeting in order to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of defence cooperation. They expressed confidence that the cooperation would be taken forward and be further strengthened.

They decided to hold interactions at regular intervals to conform to project deadlines. The two defence ministers also discussed possible future areas of cooperation in high technology defence platforms as well as armament for the three services.

Besides signing the agreed protocol, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on exchange of flight safety exchange information.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of joint exercises conducted separately by Army, Navy and Air Force of both sides in 2014. This is the first time that all three services have done joint exercises in a year. They also noted that both sides are working together to progress cooperation in the field of training.

The two sides decided to meet at regular intervals to carry forward an already robust defence cooperation between the two countries.