Russian President Vladimir Putin departs after his two-day visit to India. Russian President Vladimir Putin has left for Russia after wrapping up a two-day visit to India. India and Russia reportedly inked a $5 billion deal to procure Moscow's most advanced air defence system, the S-400 Triumf, risking US sanctions. Mr Putin arrived Thursday and was greeted by Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj at the airport and welcomed by PM Modi at his residence. India wants S-400 missile systems from Russia to change the strategic balance in the subcontinent. The long-range missile systems will tighten India's air-defence capabilities along the 4,000-km-long India-China border. The US could impose sanctions using the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act or CAATSA legislation, which deals primarily with countries having "significant transactions" with Russia, North Korea or Iran. India is also planning on acquiring 4 Krivak-class frigates from Russia, two of which will be built in India, which will be a $2.5 billion deal. Mr Putin and PM Modi are also set to discuss key regional and global issues, including US sanctions on import of Iranian crude oil. Along with the S-400 Triumf and Krivak deals, the bilateral summit will have the world leaders sign around 20 agreements. Here are the highlights of Vladimir Putin, PM Narendra Modi's bilateral summit today: Oct 05, 2018 17:44 (IST) Interaction between young people of India and Russia, especially schoolchildren, would perhaps be the "most important addition" to the "unprecedented level" of bilateral ties and serve as a basis for a long-term cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. Oct 05, 2018 17:24 (IST) Vladimir Putin meets President Ram Nath Kovind Oct 05, 2018 17:10 (IST) Russia has also been invited to set up a dedicated defence industrial park in India by PM Modi. "We are committed to building a new India. We have to do this as early as possible," PM Modi said Oct 05, 2018 16:56 (IST) Key points from PM Modi's address Energy, Digital Economy, Start up sectors are our focus areas Our IT companies can explore opportunities in Russia We see collaboration with Russia for developing nuclear energy We are committed to shaping a new India and we want everyone to cooperate In terms of ease of doing business, India has climbed 42 ranks across the world All these changes happen when ground realities are acknowledged with a futuristic vision Reform, Perform Transform is our Mantra to bring about changes in various sectors Oct 05, 2018 16:36 (IST) PM Modi speaks India and Russia have been able to remain great friends over decades. Ties between the two countries at a new high Trade between the two countries has grown by 20% To facilitate the entry of Russian firms into India, we have established 'Russia Plus' Oct 05, 2018 16:31 (IST) PM Modi begins address at the summit after Vladimir Putin Oct 05, 2018 16:30 (IST) Russia is considering building one more nuclear power plant. As we collaborate with India, we will further strengthen our cooperation in this regard. We also want to boost India's business prospects with Russia. We are now trying to reach new heights when it comes to developments, growth. We also see situation is improving in the labour market, Mr Putin said Oct 05, 2018 16:26 (IST) Vladimir Putin addresses the India-Russia business summit Vladimir Putin addresses the India-Russia business summit Oct 05, 2018 15:52 (IST) Vladimir Putin also answered certain questions while interacting with students. To a question on which scientist impacted him the most, he replied, "Hard to say which scientist, book, impresses me the most. I can list all scientists starting with Plato. They have all contributed significantly. They have made unique contribution to the human kind. I value people who devote their life to science". Oct 05, 2018 15:32 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin with school students in Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin with school students in Delhi Oct 05, 2018 15:16 (IST) Spectrum of cooperation just got wider! 8 documents exchanged in the presence of PM @narendramodi and @KremlinRussia_E President Putin. Full list of documents at https://t.co/xNLF23upDf#DruzbaDostipic.twitter.com/eFDQ3qnkie - Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) October 5, 2018 Oct 05, 2018 15:04 (IST) "Russia values its ties with India, relationship with India is a top priority": Vladimir Putin India and Russia have had a strong and reliable relationship. Ties between the two countries are growing at a rapid pace. We enjoy a relationship of mutual respect. Defence ties between the two countries have grown, but so has business. Indian firms, especially in the oil and gas sector are welcome in Russia. India has massive energy demands and Russia is resource-rich. We invite oil companies to come and set up operations in Russia. Our trade ties have grown 20 per cent year on year. We also believe in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Apart from Kudankulam, Russia will build over 12 reactors in India over the next 20 years. India is also a big favourite among Russian tourists. People-to-people ties have also grown rapidly, as have ties in the education and research field. Russia values its ties with India, and places the India relationship as a top priority. Defence ties between the two countries have grown, but so has business. Indian firms, especially in the oil and gas sector are welcome in Russia. India has massive energy demands and Russia is resource-rich. We invite oil companies to come and set up operations in Russia.Our trade ties have grown 20 per cent year on year.We also believe in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Apart from Kudankulam, Russia will build over 12 reactors in India over the next 20 years.India is also a big favourite among Russian tourists. People-to-people ties have also grown rapidly, as have ties in the education and research field.Russia values its ties with India, and places the India relationship as a top priority. Oct 05, 2018 15:02 (IST) "I have informed the PM about the situation in Syria. We have also discussed the situation that came as a result of action of US to withdraw from Iran deal": Russia President Vladimir Putin Oct 05, 2018 14:55 (IST) Russia has committed full support to India's first manned space mission 'Gaganyaan': PM Modi Oct 05, 2018 14:50 (IST) "Together, India and Russia will work towards a greater regional and global peace," said Vladimir Putin Oct 05, 2018 14:49 (IST) India and Russia committed to cooperating in fight against terrorism: PM Modi Oct 05, 2018 14:45 (IST) "We have taken some important steps today which will strengthen our relationship from energy to trade technology to tiger conservation," says PM Modi. Oct 05, 2018 14:42 (IST) Addressing a joint press meet with President Putin. Watch. @KremlinRussia_Ehttps://t.co/Ybc7EU67AF - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 5, 2018 Oct 05, 2018 14:40 (IST) "Russia has stood by India through time": PM Modi "Russia has stood by India through time and has played a crucial role In India's growth story," says PM Modi. Oct 05, 2018 14:40 (IST) "Relations between our countries have gone from strength to strength": PM Modi "In this fast changing world, our ties have grown at a fast pace...With time the relations between our countries have gone from strength to strength," PM Modi said. Oct 05, 2018 14:39 (IST) "I welcome Vladimir Putin and his entire delegation... it is our honour to host you here in India," says PM Modi. Oct 05, 2018 14:31 (IST) Vladimir Putin, PM Narendra Modi's Joint Statement to being soon Oct 05, 2018 14:24 (IST) Read Here: India Signs Deal For Russia S-400 Missile System Amid US Threat - 10 Facts India will finally acquire the S-400 Triumf, the world's most lethal surface-to-air missile, from Russia amid a threat of tough sanctions from the US. The deal was signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin this afternoon, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. The official announcement is expected later in the day. The bilateral talks between the two leaders are going on. Mr Putin is India on a two-day visit; he arrived in the national capital on Thursday.<doc-sep>That India and Russia held their 19th annual summit last week testifies to the highest level attention that both countries give to their bilateral relationship. For Russia, the relationship with India is not the most important and for India, ties with Russia are not uppermost in foreign policy priorities. Yet, the annual summits have been held without break, which is exceptional. This suggests that for Russia, the bilateral relationship is worth nurturing because, apart from direct bilateral benefits, it gives to Russian foreign policy a strong Asian dimension. The esteem that the Indian leadership shows for President Vladimir Putin contrasts with his demonisation by the West. Trust and confidence For India, a strong relationship with Russia is important for maintaining a balance in the country’s foreign policy. With the transformation of India-US relations and defence becoming a major pillar of their strategic partnership, maintaining a high level of understanding with Russia has become even more important. Our ties with Russia are multi-pronged and consist of formats such as the Russia-India-China dialogue, BRICS and SCO in which the West is absent. At a time when the global situation has become uncertain on all fronts, an atmosphere of Cold War is re-emerging and Russia and China have been designated by the US as its strategic adversaries, it is important for India to not be pulled in a direction that limits its diplomatic options. India has to maintain an appropriate level of engagement with all major powers to mark its commitment to multilateralism that is currently under siege. The just-concluded 19th summit has demonstrated that India will pursue its ties with Russia in the light of its national interest and will not dilute them under external pressures of the moment. For this reason, attention was focused on whether India would go ahead and sign the S-400 contract despite the threat of sanctions under America’s CAATSA legislation. The Modi government has shown courage and self-respect by concluding the S400 contract, though it has chosen to give it minimum projection by referring to it very laconically in the joint statement and excluding it from the list of agreements signed by the two sides in the presence of the two leaders. If negotiations for the Ka226 helicopter contract had reportedly reached an advanced stage, it might have been politic to have signed the contract now rather than later because this too is a “significant transaction” that comes within the purview of CAATSA and would require a US presidential waiver eventually. One should not expect each summit to produce eye-catching outcomes. The summits should be seen as stock-taking of ties, maintaining a forward momentum in the relationship, removing bottle-necks where necessary and laying the groundwork for future growth. In this context, the joint statement mentions the informal summit in Sochi in May this year as “reflecting the deep trust and confidence between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin” and an agreement to continue the practice. The just-concluded 19th summit has demonstrated that India will pursue its ties with Russia in the light of its national interests. (Photo: PTI) Strengthen trade Trade remains a persistent weak point in India-Russia relations and unless trade exchanges are expanded bilateral ties will lack an all-around solidity. Bilateral trade increased by 20 per cent in 2017, crossing $10 billion, but this figure is by no means impressive. The goal of two-way investment of $30 billion by 2025 has, according to the joint statement, become an achievable target. Most of this investment is in the energy sector, which is an area of considerable potential. According to our Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Russia is today our prime destination for investments in the hydrocarbon sector. Four Focus Sectors: Energy, Digital Economy, Startup and Infrastructure have been identified for cooperation. Support to promoting bilateral trade in national currencies has been reiterated in the joint statement, and this is important because of US sanctions on Russia. The proposed trilateral meeting between India, Russia and Iran in Moscow for the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor, signing of new long-term contracts for rough diamond supplies to Indian companies, additional cooperation in outer space (Russian cooperation in the Gaganyaan project), progress in bilateral civil nuclear cooperation and trilateral cooperation involving Bangladesh, continuation of military exercises involving the three services figure in the joint statement. Points of contention On Afghanistan, the joint statement excludes any mention of negotiations with the Taliban, an issue on which the two sides differ, though the existence of external safe havens and sanctuaries (an allusion to Pakistan) is mentioned. The Iranian nuclear deal is supported with a call “for all issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue” (allusion to US threats to Iran). On terrorism, while avoiding any mention of Mumbai, Uri or Pathankot attacks or naming jihadi organisations in Pakistan targeting India (consistent with Russian reticence on the subject), there is condemnation of “all kinds of state support to terrorists including cross-border terrorism” (another allusion to Pakistan). India has agreed with Russia in opposing the “imposition of unilateral coercive measures not based on international law” which is a veiled reference to US/EU sanctions on Russia. A little surprisingly, India has yielded to Russia’s support for China on the issue of a Regional Security Architecture “in the regions of Pacific and Indian Oceans” (not IndoPacific), with an emphasis that all new initiatives (the Indo-Pacific concept) are based on multilateralism and are “not directed against any country”. (Courtesy of Mail Today) Also read: Buy in India and keep your economy strong — our growth story continues on its upward trend<doc-sep>PM Modi and Putin in New Delhi/ Twitter: MEA | Photo Credit: Twitter New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin, who left for Moscow on Friday evening after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind, did not receive a ceremonial welcome as Moscow had asked New Delhi to keep his visit 'informal'. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported that Moscow had asked New Delhi to 'keep the visit as informal as possible'. India thus moved away from the protocol and Putin was not given a ceremonial welcome. In fact, it was because of not following protocol that Putin was able to spend maximum time with PM Modi and the Indian delegation. Putin, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening, was invited for dinner at PM Modi's residence on 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Addressing an event in New Delhi, Putin said that PM Modi and he had a long interaction on a number of subjects. Citing sources, ANI reported that Putin emphasised that India should look at civil aviation and river craft industry. PM Modi, on the other hand, hoped that the Russian markets would be more open to Indian pharmaceuticals and IT. PM Modi also reportedly urged that India and Russia should move beyond buyer-seller relationship and instead work towards Make in India. Interestingly, Putin asked PM Modi about Goods and Services Tax (GST) and sais that he planned to implement the same in Russia. India and Russia on Friday signed the much-awaited S-400 deal. The two sides also exchanged eight MoUs and reiterated their commitment to strategic cooperation and collaboration.<doc-sep>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin enjoy a good rapport. The two leaders would be meeting for the fifth time in New Delhi since last year's annual summit meet in Russia during Putin's two-day India visit. (Photo: PTI) When top leaders of two major powers meet, it is never a bilateral affair. It becomes an event of geostrategic significance. The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one such event. India and Russia recognise each other as strategic partner through an agreement first inked in 1970s and then reaffirmed in early 2000s. They have given a multi-polar shape to geostrategic engagement of the major powers. A little history would place things in proper perspective. Between the end of the World War II and the fall of the Soviet regime (USSR) in 1991, the world was largely bipolar in its strategic dealings.The US led the capitalist bloc while the USSR was the leader of socialist/communist group. The fall of USSR saw the world becoming unipolar with the US as the sole master. That equation of power has undergone a change in recent years, with China emerging as the strong contender for the other pole. India and Russia have been the balancing force in this realignment of global powers. With Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi seem to have a personal rapport, they are in a position to influence geostrategic politics - with regard to sanctions on Iran, the Middle East equation, tariff manipulations, terrorism and several other issues. The India visit of Putin would mark the fifth meeting with Modi since annual bilateral summit in June last year, when the prime minister travelled to Russia. This meeting was followed by meetings in Astana, Kazakhstan and Hamburg, Germany for G20 summit. Moreover, Narendra Modi travelled to Sochi in May this year for an informal summit with Vladimir Putin. The visit was undertaken to smoothen India-Russia relations further. This was necessitated as the ties between the two countries were dwindling with trade slipping below $10 billion after 2014. India looked closer to the US and Russia was seen favouring Pakistan and China. Overall, Russia has supported India's demand for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Russia also helped India attain full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It has also batted for India's entry into the exclusive club of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) even though New Delhi does not intend to sign the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), a mandatory condition for membership.