Russian ambassador hosts farewell event for team members

 

By IDI

On January 19, the Russian Embassy in India hosted a protocol event in honour of the first group of the Indian military specialists heading to Moscow for the S-400 air defence systems training courses.

In his welcoming speech, Nikolay R.Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, noted that agreement on the S-400 supplies is one of the flagship initiatives of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation, which constitutes the main pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India.

Address by Ambassador of Russia

We are delighted to welcome you today in the Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Delhi on this remarkable occasion – very soon the first group of the Indian military specialists will depart to Russia for the S-400 air defence systems training courses.

S-400 supplies initiative is one of the flagship projects in the Russian-Indian military and military-technical cooperation, which historically constitutes the main pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our two friendly countries. It is based on mutual trust and reflects the true spirit of our bilateral and multilateral commitments in the framework of our vision towards just and equal relations based on the international law and the UN Charter.

Coming out of bipolar world and successfully proceeding through the current establishment of the polycentric order, our partnership is becoming even stronger experiencing new areas and forms of mutually beneficial and forward-looking cooperation. It is absolutely true for our military and military-technical ties, which are based on ever growing extraordinary mutual interest, coherence, consistence and complementarity. Throughout the years, Russian-Indian friendship has become an important factor of stability in the region and the globe.

Currently Russia and India are deeply involved in joint development and production of military equipment, components and spare parts as well as technologies sharing, improving after-sales service system. We have developed an advanced legal base for this purpose.

Along with S-400 systems project, we are successfully moving towards implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikovs contract (more than 700 thousand items to be produced at the JV Indo-Russian Rifles in India), 200 Ka-226 helicopters supplies and production in India as well as an advanced cooperation in the areas of combat aviation (including Su-30MKI programme), main battle tanks (T-90), frigates, submarines and missiles, including joint production of unique Brahmos.

Looking forward to an early implementation of the spare parts joint production agreement, which also fits well in Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes. Work also is going on the mutual logistics support agreement, strengthening maritime cooperation, including in the Indian Ocean.

The next big step is the Aero-India – 2021 international exhibition and conference in Bangalore in February, where Russia intends to be one of the biggest exhibitors. We plan to demonstrate Su-57, Su-35 and MiG-35 fighter jets, helicopters Ka-52, Ka-226, Mi-17B-5, Mi-26 as well S-400 systems and many other new items and equipment.

Altogether with new developments, your departure is marking a new stage in our strategic partnership, and we wish you a very successful stay in Russia! No doubt that all members of the Indian team will get a high quality knowledge and exciting experience as well as a feeling of the beauty of the country and its people!

We are very proud of you, and on behalf of the Embassy we sincerely wish you the best of health, every success and all the good luck!

Have a nice and memorable visit to Russia!

Thank you very much!

S-400 deal

India and Russia signed the contract for five regiments of the S-400 system for $5.4 billion in 2018.

As per the contract Russia was suppose to complete delivery by 2023 wherein the deliver were to start within 24 months.

The contract was facing payment hurdles because of American sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law of 2017. The prime objective of this law is to sanction Russian weapon industry.

The rupee-ruble route is being used to avoid the sanction. Payment is being made through banks on both sides. India made the first part of the payment last year.