The 16th India-Russia annual summit starts in Moscow
Moscow, Russia: The 16th India-Russia annual summit started in Moscow on Thursday while Indian Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had an informal meeting at dinner on Wednesday night. Modi arrived in Moscow at Wednesday evening.
India-Russia annual summit is a regular feature of Indo-Russia relationship and both countries are expected to sign a number of pacts to expand cooperation in the fields of defence, hydrocarbons and trade.
It may be mentioned that Indian Defence Ministry had cleared a deal of purchase of Russian S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems and an announcement of the deal is expected during Summit.
Indian media claimed that Modi discussed the issue of Russian Defence trade with its arch rival and neighbour Pakistan during their meeting at Wednesday’s dinner. However, Russian official said that their dinner was informal and had no discussion regarding any diplomatic issue.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the President of Russia:
Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The meeting took place as a dinner, with no journalists attending.
India is worried with Russian supply of RD-93 engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 Thunder fighter aircrafts because JF-17 fighters have given an edge to Pakistan in conventional warfare in the region. Pakistan is also going for procurement of MI35 helicopters from Russia and their deal can disturb India.
