2+2 Dialogue
India and Russia engaged in a first-ever 2+2 dialogue on 6-12-2021 where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu participated.
Defense Deal
- Defense Minister signed a Defense deal with Russia for manufacturing 6.1 lakh Ak-203 assault rifles which were estimated at over ₹5,000 crores by a Joint Venture, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd. (IRRPL) at Korwa, Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.
- The IRRPL was set up jointly between the erstwhile OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited] of India and Rosoboronexport and concern Kalashnikov of Russia.
Renewal of Military-technical cooperation Agreement
In the 2+2 dialogue between India and Russia, It has been agreed to renew the Military-technical cooperation agreement between India and Russia by another 10 years till 2031
Meeting Highlights
- Unprovoked Agression: India had faced ‘unprovoked aggression’ on its northern borders by China for more than a year, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the meet, he also sought “greater engagements in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean Region” during the meet.
- Regional trust and global Security: Addressing the meeting, Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu said the agencies concerned from both sides would collaborate with each other to increase “regional trust and global security”.
- Our ties have been close and time-tested:
- We are meeting at a critical juncture in the geopolitical environment which is in great flux, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ties have been close and time-tested, he added.
- We have had an active dialogue at a political level and a strong defence partnership over many years,” said External Affairs Ministers Mr. Jaishankar. He pointed out that globalisation was “over centralised” and sought multipolarity in world affairs.
- Mr. Jaishankar also expressed concern over the the condition of Afghanistan and said the situation there had “wider repercussions” in several regions, including for Central Asia. He also emphasised maritime security as a common area for the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia.
- Similar world view: Both India and Russia have a similar world view of a more polycentric, more multipolar, more equitable world order. We advocate similar or identical positions on the most important political and military issues. We speak in favour of international law. We adhere to non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries,” said Mr. Lavrov at the launch of the new ‘2+2’ ministerial mechanism
India Signs Defense deals with Russia