Russian defence companies keen on Technology Transfer, JVs with Indian firms

[WolfPack86]

A number of Russian defence firms has broadly agreed to facilitate speedy repair and overhaul of Russian-origin military platforms in India and manufacture their spare parts through joint venture and technology transfer with Indian companies.

It has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that the supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country.

Indian defence firms held extensive deliberations with Russian giants for technology transfer and manufacturing of some parts and components of Russian-origin military systems in India and sources said the talks were fruitful.

Their talks took place during course of a conference on March 18 and 19 here on deepening defence engagement between the two countries. It was attended by more than 100 Russian and over 150 Indian industry representatives.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry said Russian firms showed keen interest in taking 'Make in India' further by involving Indian firms in the process of providing after-sales support of Russian origin equipment to the Indian Armed Forces through long-term supply agreements, repair, overhaul and manufacturing of some spare parts and components.

The conference was aimed at addressing issues relating to life-cycle support and maintenance of Su-30MKI aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters, Mig-29K jets, T-90 tanks and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, besides exploring ways to step up overall defence collaboration.

In his inaugural address, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley had asked Russia to adopt a liberal approach in sharing technology for components of Russian-origin defence platforms, saying it was critical to keep them in operational readiness.

Some major Russian companies which attended the deliberations include United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), United Engines Corporation (UEC), United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), Russian Helicopters and Ural Vagonzavod.

These firms made detailed presentations on the possibilities of cooperation and the way forward in this regard.

During the conference, the Department of Defence Production outlined opportunities under 'Make in India' initiative and recent steps by the government to facilitate co-development, co-production, licence production between Indian and Russian companies.

The Russian side presented the framework for interaction between Federal Services for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) and Indian partners in the field of after-sales support of Russian origin military equipment.

The conference also had three breakout sessions on aero system, land system and naval system where the Indian side expressed their requirements and the way forward to improve serviceability of Russian origin platforms, the Ministry said.
http://www.defencenews.in/article.aspx?id=251093

 

[WolfPack86]

India-Russia progress in defence co-operation through Make in India
After fruitful negotiations between India and Russia as a part of the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference, two agreements were signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and United Aircraft Corporation and United Engine Corporation of Russia for long-term technical assistance and spare parts required to service the Russia-originated Su -30 MKI aircraft.

Russia has broadly agreed to enter into joint ventures with Indian manufacturers for a seamless supply of spare parts and components necessary to maintain operational readiness of Russian-origin defence platforms used by the Indian Army.

This positive development was brought about even as Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, in his inaugural speech, called upon Russian firms to extend defence cooperation with India in manufacturing, by sharing defence technology. This is deemed to be essential for the upkeep and up gradation of Russian defence equipment in India's arsenal, which needs a recurring supply of certain components and spare parts.

The conference was organised with the objective of procuring life-cycle support and maintenance agreements for Russian defence equipment/platforms like Mi-17 Helicopters, SU-30 MKI aircraft, INS Vikramaditya, MiG-29K aircraft, and T-90 tanks.

India's Defence Ministry stated that Russia has expressed interest in participating in the 'Make in India' program through the manufacture of components and spare parts, which would greatly assist Russia in providing after-sales support for maintenance of Russian equipment being used by Indian Armed Forces.

The conference saw participation from 150 Russian industry delegates and over 100 Indian defence corporations. The presence of Russian defence giants included United Aircraft Corporation, Russian Helicopters, United Shipbuilding Corporation, United Engines Corporation, and Ural Vagonzavod. Through extensive presentations made by these companies, possibilities of furthering India-Russia defence co-operation were explored.

In the recent years, after the signing of India-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2000, defence partnership between the two countries has grown multifold from a simple buyer-seller relationship to joint efforts in the field of research and production.
http://www.defencenews.in/article/I...nce-co-operation-through-Make-in-India-251119

 

[WolfPack86]

Russia Minister Denis Manturov Backs 'Make In India' In Defense Industry

Russian enterprises stand to benefit from participating in the ‘Make in India’ initiative as a large part of the weaponry manufactured in India would require components that are made in Russia, Denis Manturov said last week at the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference in New Delhi.
Russia supports Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and is the only country that has regularly shared technology with India, including in the production of military aircraft, warships and advanced weapons systems, Russian Minister for Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said at the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference in New Delhi on Mar. 17.
“Russia is ready to set up centers of competence across India for maintenance of Russian-origin military hardware,” Manturov added.
He called for the creation of five platforms to manage defense cooperation between Russia and India: helicopter building, aircraft building, shipbuilding, armor and anti-aircraft weapons. Manturov said Russia and India could sign inter-governmental agreements under which enterprises from both countries could work to meet Indian requirements in each platform.
Manturov said the two countries spent too much time on negotiations and tendering proceedings, sometimes lasting three to five years. He added that such an initiative would remove roadblocks in defense cooperation.
At the conference, Indian Defense Minister Arun Jaitley called on the two countries to focus more on joint research and development and production of advanced arms and ammunition.
“India has third largest armed forces in the world. We are also one of the largest importers of defense equipment in the world. This definitely is not a label we are happy with,” Jaitley. “Relations with Russia are a key pillar of India’s foreign policy and Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested strategic partner of India for the last 70 years.”

Jaitley and Manturov said the BrahMos missile system was a major success story in high-end technical collaboration between the two partner countries
Russian Participation in ‘Make in India’
When asked about the benefits of ‘Make in India’ for Russia, Manturov said that Russian industry benefited from the supply of equipment and accessories.
Referring to BrahMos missiles, which are produced in India with the supply of certain components from Russia, Manturov said that the development of more variants of the missile ensured that more components would be produced in Russia, generating revenue, taxes and jobs in Russia.
He added that the Russian government was ready to assist companies and suppliers that want to enter the Indian market. Moscow would provide finance and assist in certification and clearing logistic and legal hurdles, Manturov said.
“Our goal is to create a tailwind for the economy,” Manturov said. “And where necessary, we are ready to provide support and subsequent administrative and financial assistance.”
The Russian Minister said the close strategic relationship between Russia and India enabled cooperation in such a delicate, sensitive area as military technology.
Manturov added that Russian companies were interested in building assembly plants in India and the joint development of industrial products for the Indian market. “That's why we actually participate in such events to promote our manufacturers’ products to the Indian market, to provide them with equivalent contacts, and to help find the right, cost effective, profitable solutions,” he said.
FGFA And Su-30MKI
Commenting on the transfer of technology for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), Manturov said that the first agreement was signed in 2007, on the joint design, development and manufacture of the aircraft. “All the terms and conditions in the agreement will be implemented,” he said, adding that India would get what it has paid for.
Russia and India are now looking to sign a final research and development contract for the FGFA.
On the sidelines of the New Delhi conference, the countries signed a contract for the long-term maintenance of India’s Su-30 MKI fleet. The contract is believed to be worth $300 million. Thy also signed an agreement for the supply of spares and technical assistance for five years.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/03/russian-minister-denis-manturov-backs.html

 

[WolfPack86]

But #India has already paid ~$300m as initial contribution in #PAKFA
https://twitter.com/hashtag/pakfa?lang=en

 

[WolfPack86]

Moscow, New Delhi Discuss Making Russian Weapons in India
Jaitley did not reveal the type of weapon being discussed to make in India. "We have future plans to set up manufacturing units in India and these are subjects of discussion which came up in my bilateral meeting with the Defense Minister and I am sure with the level of engagement we have, this relationship will continue to grow," Jaitley said.

The $1-billion program of joint production of Kamov-226T has taken off this month with the final approval of Russian President Vladimir Putin to set up Indo-Russian Helicopter Pvt Ltd. Russia's Rostec Corp will own 49.5 percent stake while India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will own the remaining 50.5 percent in the joint venture. Under the deal for 200 Kamov Ka-226Ts, 60 helicopters will be received in fly-away condition from Russia while another 40 will be assembled in India and the remaining 100 will be fully built in India.

"Russia has been a true and trusted friend of India, which is regarded so by the people of India and there has been a much greater cooperation at the level of defense. It is a cooperation which extends to joint military exercises, training cooperation and also with regard to the supply of equipment which India purchases from Russia," Jaitley said.

India and Russia identified a total number of 485 lines for Transfer of Technology (ToT) to support Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet. Towards this, 20 Indian vendors have been introduced to the Russian OEMs to find out the feasibility of ToT in the fields desired by Indian vendors.

In March this year, HAL signed an agreement with Russian OEMs for the long-term supply of spares and rendering technical assistance for five years which do not cover any technology transfer. The agreement will enable HAL to procure required spares based on the price catalogs directly from OEMs for the Sukhoi fleet and boost after-sales service by reducing lead time in the procurement of spares significantly.
http://www.defencenews.in/article.aspx?id=251814

 

[WolfPack86]

I hope India would manufacture Amur class Submarines, SU 34 bomber, MiG 35, and other various armoured vechiles under Make in India.

 

[Shashank Sharma]

I hope India would manufacture Amur class Submarines, SU 34 bomber, MiG 35, and other various armoured vechiles under Make in India.

In the long term, indigenous design is the better option. Unless we shore faith in our own scientists, we won't have a strong military manufacturing base.

 

[roma]

In the long term, indigenous design is the better option. Unless we shore faith in our own scientists, we won't have a strong military manufacturing base.

yes youre right
but to give confidence against chi-pak and other imminent threats we need the tech transfers and even Mfg without tot if we cant get it

then we have to have good management to have long term projects as well where we develop our own to do what you said i.e. avoid dependence on foreign suppliers

 

[WolfPack86]

Russia Readying To Supply S-400 Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems To India

Russia today said it was preparing to supply S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems to India and both governments were "simply discussing" the terms. Pre-contract preparations underway on the supplies of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile complexes to India, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin told reporters in St Petersbrug.

"Pre-contract preparations are underway on the supplies of S-400 anti-aircraft missile complexes to India," he said. "It is difficult to say yet how much time they will take.

There is an agreement between governments and now we are simply discussing the terms," Russia's official Tass News Agency quoted Rogozin as saying on the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to this Russian city.

India had announced on October 15 last year a deal on the Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over USD five billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

The deals were announced following talks held between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Goa.

The S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets.
http://www.defencenews.in/article.aspx?id=262378

 

[WolfPack86]

MOSCOW HAS A SECRET WEAPON IN THE RUSSIAN-US RUMBLE FOR THE INDIAN ARMS MARKET
In recent weeks, India received a series of offers from Russia and the US on the purchase of new weapons systems. RIA Novosti contributor Ilya Plekhanov says that the fight for the Indian market between the two major weapons exporters is escalating, and that Russia doesn't intend to give up its positions in this massive and highly lucrative market

According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has become the number one weapons importer in the world, accounting for 13% of all sales between 2012 and 2016. About 68% of India's arms imports come from Russia, with the US accounting for 14%, and seeking to expand. Seeking to diversify its suppliers in recent years, Delhi has also expanded military ties with Israel, France, Spain and South Korea.

Earlier this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged $250 billion to an ambitious military modernization program up to the year 2025. In other words, analysts say that Russia certainly has a market worth defending in India.

Last week, ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, Indian Finance and Defense Minister Arun Jaitley flew to Moscow to hold negotiations on finalizing weapons contracts worth over $10.5 billion, to add to the $4 billion portfolio Rosoboronexport already has with the country.

This week, Indian media reported that Russia was prepared to supply India with MiG-35 4++ generation multirole fighters. This was important, according to observers, because the much-anticipated joint venture agreement between Delhi and Washington on the manufacture of F-16 fighter jets in India wasn't mentioned in the joint communique released following Modi's visit with Trump, indicating a possible snag in that deal.

Russia, according to Indian media, made the offer to supply India with MiG-35s shortly after its negotiations with Bangladesh on the delivery of the planes to that country back in April. Dhaka is considering buying eight MiG-35s at a price of approximately $46 million apiece.

Last week, MiG Corporation general director Ilya Tarasenko told reporters that his company sees the MiG-35 as an excellent alternative to foreign competitors' fourth and fifth generation offerings. According to the official, this has to do in large part with MiG's commitment to developing the necessary service infrastructure, as well as its willingness to engage in the localization of production in cases where major contracts have been signed.

Russian defense companies have major plans for the Indian market. In addition to the MiG-35, Russia is looking to supply India with the S-400 air defense system, up to 200 Ka-226T utility helicopters, 48 Mil Mi-17 multiuse helicopters, two Beriev A-50 AWACS planes, and four Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates. Moscow is also believed to be in negotiations on the modernization of India's fleet of Su-30MKI and MiG-29K fighters via their armament with new, longer range air-to-air missiles.
Other possible projects include a joint program to develop an Indian version of Russia's T-50 fifth-gen stealth multirole fighter, and the lease of a second Akula-class submarine to Delhi to contemplate the one already in service with the Indian Navy.

But the US too is making a serious effort to move in on the Indian market, with support from the White House. On Thursday, the White House okayed the sale of over $2 billion worth of military drones to Delhi (a deal that still needs Congressional approval to move forward). Negotiations are also underway on the sale of C-17 transport helicopters and Ah-64 Apache attack helicopters to the country.

Commenting on these developments, RIA Novosti contributor Ilya Plekhanov wrote that at present, there are several factors favoring Russia in the battle for the Indian arms market. These include the two countries' long and proud history of military cooperation, the existence of an established base of repair and maintenance facilities for equipment, plus the quality and comparatively low cost of Russian weapons.

"Nevertheless, the struggle that's being waged is fierce," Plekhanov stressed. "In a number of areas Russia has been forced to yield to its competitors, and not just from the US. For example, India has chosen France for the supply of submarines and aircraft. A contract worth $8.8 billion has been signed for the purchase of 36 Dassault Rafale fighters, and another for Scorpene-class submarines."

As for the US, they entered the Indian arms market in a big way only in 2013, Plekhanov recalled, with a much-discussed deal worth $2 billion. "In the five year period before that, total sales were estimated only in the hundreds of millions of dollars," the observer noted.

Geopolitics is also playing a role in US calculations, according to the journalist, with the US looking at using weapons sales to India to help contain China, put pressure on Iran, and find a substitute for Pakistan in the fight against Afghan Islamists.

Over the last decade, India has purchased about $15 billion-worth of arms from the US, stocking up on Chinook transport helicopters, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, and Gulfstream-3 reconnaissance aircraft.

Earlier this month, Pentagon Chief Jim Mattis described India as a key US partner in the defence sector; meanwhile, during his meeting with Modi, Trump praised India for its purchase of US weapons, and stressed that the Indian-US relationship "has never been stronger, has never been better.

As far as the Russian defense industry's attitudes toward competition from the US were concerned, Plekhanov suggested that MiG Corporation head Ilya Tarasenko probably said it best.
Speaking to Reuters last week, Tarasenko emphasised that Russia was not afraid of competition from the US in the Indian arms market. MiG, he recalled, has a history of cooperation with India which stretches back over 50 years. Russia, he noted, sees attempts from other players to enter the Indian market as a way to better understand, and meet, the country's defence needs.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/07/moscow-has-secret-weapon-in-russian-us.html

 

[WolfPack86]

India and Russia to sign S-400 missile contract this year.

Russian state arm exporter Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev stated that constant consultations are being carried out so that contract negotiations with Delhi can start.

The deal for five units of S-400 is said to be worth $5.5 billion.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TejasMrca/photos/?ref=page_internal

 

[WolfPack86]

Russia-India talks on buying advance MiG-35s, superior to the US F-35
As the new generation Mig-35 fighter, touted as being superior to the US F-35, made its public debut at the MAKS Aerospace Exhibition, its Russian makers say talks are on with India for buying the jet.

In the partially cloudy sky at the Zhukovsky airport, the 4++ generation jet roared through its routine, keenly watched for the first time by hundreds of spectators.

Ilya S. Tarasenko, Director General of JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG" (JSC RAC "MiG") said on the sidelines of the airshow that the new jet is "better" than the 5th generation Lockheed-Martin F-35 which made its public debut at the recent Paris Airshow, adding it could easily take on its rival in a dogfight.

To a question on whether India has expressed interest in the jet, he said: "Of course they have."

"After having presented the MiG-35 in January we began to actively promote it in India and in the world. We are proposing supply of the aircraft for tenders in India and we will actively work with the air force in order to win the tender," Tarasenko said.

"We are in the negotiation stage on technical and technological specifications that MiG can present to India and the requirements that India has for this aircraft. Since this is a very new plane, it will still take some time to negotiate on exactly what India needs and adjust the product to it," he added.

That, however, would be easier said than done, given the torturous manner in which the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been searching for a medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-era MiG-21 jets that were first inducted in the 1960s. After floating a tender for 120 planes in 2007, evaluating six different aircraft and short-listing two, the process was abruptly cancelled and India ordered 36 Rafale jets in 2015, with the final document only recently being inked.

According to Tarasenko, the MiG-35 is 20 to 25 per cent cheaper than its competitors, and for India, which already has experience of flying various various variants of MiG fighters and with its support and maintenance facilities, it would be easy to adapt to the new plane.

"MiG aircraft have been used by India for almost 50 years. We propose our new products to India among the first and intend to continue supplying India with our most modern aircraft," he said.

"I would like to note that we propose not just the aircraft, but also training as well as after-sales service for 40 years. I can say that in comparison to our competitors, we are 20-25 per cent cheaper," he said.

Tarasenko said the technical specifications of the aircraft are "close" to that of a fifth generation jet.

"Its flight capabilities, its new weapon range and defence systems, including stealth features, are close to a fifth generation aircraft. The plane is light and multi-functional and has high maneuverability."

He also noted that all components of the aircraft, which has been developed by Russia amid sanctions, are Russian.

The IAF's fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKIs and other Russian platforms have faced difficulties in the past in procuring spare parts with Russia having problems in sourcing them from countries like Belarus and the Ukraine.
http://www.defencenews.in/article.aspx?id=263356

 

[WolfPack86]

RUSSIA PITCHES MIG-35 TO INDIA AS FGFA PROJECT FALTERS
If selected by India, the MiG-35 would likely be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at Nashik

As the contest to supply a new fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) heats up, the MiG-35 has emerged as a viable candidate. India is supposedly seeking about 220 single-engine fighters to replace 11 squadrons of MiG-21/27s that entered service in the 1990s.

Rosoboronexport is believed to have offered a licensed production deal for the twin-engine MiG-35 that would compensate for the IAF’s reluctance to proceed with the Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project.

At the MAKS 2017 airshow in July, Ilya Tarasenko, director general of Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, said: “We are actively working with the IAF in order to win the tender.” Russia has committed to a 40-year maintenance and upgrade contract to preclude the support issues that have arisen in the past with Russian aircraft in service with the IAF. Meanwhile, also at MAKS, Sergei Chemezov, CEO of the Rostec State Corporation, told reporters that a decision on the design and development of the FGFA would be made in the “nearest future.” He did not provide a timeline for the project, a version of Russia’s Sukhoi T-50, which has been under discussion between the two countries for the past decade.

According to an Indian defence official, “The MiG-35 is 25 percent cheaper [than rival candidates for the IAF requirement]; has an AESA radar; has commonality with the fleet; and being in the light to medium category enables it to land in the same airfields that the [indigenous] Light Combat Aircraft does. If the FGFA does not go through, Russia will have to be compensated, and this is the only contract left at the moment.”

If the MiG-35 is chosen, it would likely be built at the Nashik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Spare capacity will soon be available there, when work on Su-30MKI upgrades for the IAF is completed. India had previously indicated that the single-engine fighter should be built by a non-state owned company that would be selected as partner by the fighter supplier under the “Make In India” policy. But acting defence minister Arun Jaitley said last month while inaugurating HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter facility: “Public-sector work culture and performance have the highest standards of professionalism,” making it clear that HAL was not ruled out of the fighter contest. (India’s first woman defence minister, former commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman, took over from Jaitley this week and is thought to be like-minded).

Lockheed Martin is expected to bid the F-16 Block 70 for the fighter contest. “The IAF needs a company that can maintain, repair and upgrade without somebody pulling the plug,” Randall L. Howard, business development head for Lockheed Martin, told AIN. “We take a long-term view and have multiple projects in India. We do not look at India as a market, but a partnership,” he added. The 50th C-130J Super Hercules empennage assembly is due for delivery by joint venture Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures on September 16.

Abhay Paranjape, director of business development for Lockheed Martin in India, told AIN that following its agreement with Tata Advanced Systems to produce the F-16 Block 70 in India, his company had already identified 60 companies in India that it will shortlist to make parts for the fighter. “The U.S. administration is in full support of moving the F-16 production line to India…this will create jobs in both countries,” he added. He also said that Lockheed Martin is encouraging the two governments “to have a conversation” for future cooperation on the F-35 stealth fighter.

Saab is expected to bid the Gripen E. Transfer of technology remains a thorny issue. The Swedish company and the Adani Group announced “a collaboration on aerospace and defence” on September 4. “Saab is willing to transfer state-of-the-art technology and skills. We will focus on the capability that is critical for true indigenization including design, system integration, maintenance and upgrade,” said Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group. The Indian conglomerate is venturing into the defence arena for the first time with the Saab agreement. However, Kurt Ove Håkan Buskhe, the president and CEO of the Saab Group told AIN: “Most design and integration uses avionics software and onboard computer systems, and that is something we fully control.”
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2017/09/russia-pitches-mig-35-to-india-as-fgfa.html

 

[WolfPack86]

Russia transfer technology of S-400 to India.

 

[WolfPack86]

Putin unable to win India over as Russia's staunch ally to counter USA's dominance
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has recently paid a one-day visit to India. India is considered to be one of three largest buyers of Russian arms in the world. The portfolio of Russia's military contracts with India is evaluated at over 35 billion dollars. Yet, India has been a capricious partner for Moscow. Prior to Rogozin's visit, the Indian side rejected Russia's insistent appeals to join China's global transport project "One Belt On Road."


Full cycle of arms exports

Even though Dmitry Rogozin, has not signed any final agreements in New Delhi, he has held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the need to expand cooperation on the whole range of issues - from nuclear power to high technologies. Rogozin also met with Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

In the future, Moscow and New Delhi are going to switch to "full life cycle" contracts that are to stay in effect during the entire period of the existence of arms and military equipment. "This means that Russia is going to switch from "sold and forgot it" principle to joint interaction with our Indian partners - from the time of sale to after-sales service, up to utilization," Rogozin specified.

"With the new defense minister of India, we have agreed to turn military industrial conferences, which we have already held this year, into a process of permanent harmonization of remarks that always arise in the exploitation of weapons and military equipment," Dmitry Rogozin said after his return to Moscow from India.

During the talks with the head of the defense ministry of India, Rogozin discussed such topics as exports of arms and spare parts to India, holding joint military exercises, expanding joint high-tech industries and developing military equipment and spare parts.
Breakthrough in defense cooperation

Experts note that a real breakthrough in the defense cooperation between the two countries took place in the autumn of 2016, when Russia and India concluded a number of agreements on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The most important of those agreements was the document about the supplies of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India.

Defense export giant Rosoboronexport, Helicopters of Russia and Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed an agreement on the establishment of a joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters. Under the terms of the contract, India will purchase first 60 helicopters from Helicopters of Russia, before 140 rotorcraft are assembled under license in the Indian city of Bangalore.

In addition, India agreed to purchase four Project 11356 frigates from Russia ("Admiral Grigorovich" class). In particular, the parties agreed that one ship would be built at Russia's Yantar shipyard, and three other frigates - in India. The agreement totaled about $3 billion.

Russia also agreed to let India lease multi-purpose nuclear submarine of Project 971 (class "Akula") from the Russian Navy. India had leased a submarine of this type in the past ("Chakra", known as "Nerpa").


The United States tries to draw India into orbit of influence

In November, it transpired that New Delhi violated contract terms with Russia and allowed representatives of the Pentagon on board the Chakra submarine. Russian officials were annoyed about the appearance of US servicemen onboard a Russian-made submarine. Nevertheless, Moscow decided not to discuss the incident in public not to damage ties with New Delhi.

The visit of US servicemen to the Russian submarine was made possible thanks to the joint Indian-American defense cooperation program. In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Washington, where he had a meeting with President Donald Trump and agreed on deepening cooperation in the defense sphere. The White House is trying to draw India into the sphere of its influence to prevent the creation of a military and political alliance between Russia and India.


India renounces Chinese projects

Meanwhile, Russia seeks to win India's participation in important regional transport projects. In particular, it goes about a project of "North-South" International Transport Corridor with a total length of 7,200 km. This route provides for the transit of goods from the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf. The project, if implemented, will create a strategic triangle Moscow-New Delhi-Tehran.

At the same time, India's participation in another major transport project - China's "One Belt One Road" - initiative remains questionable.

On December 21, Ravish Kumar, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India, said that such initiatives must be implemented on the basis of internationally recognized norms, in cooperation with effective leadership, under the conditions of the rule of law, openness and transparency not to violate territorial integrity and sovereignty of any countries.

Vladimir Putin, who acts as a supporter of "One Belt, One Road" project, has not been able to convince the Indian administration to join China's project, which serves as an indication of tensions in India's relationship with the Celestial Empire.
http://www.defencenews.in/article.aspx?id=525353

 

[Yggdrasil]

In November, it transpired that New Delhi violated contract terms with Russia and allowed representatives of the Pentagon on board the Chakra submarine. Russian officials were annoyed about the appearance of US servicemen onboard a Russian-made submarine. Nevertheless, Moscow decided not to discuss the incident in public not to damage ties with New Delhi.

Dunno about the rest of the article, but this is total rubbish.