Putin's Visit to India May Yield Crucial Defense Deals, Says Expert
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to India on December 4-5, according to the Kremlin press service. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on defense cooperation.
Dr. Rohan Dua, a leading expert on Indian foreign policy, believes that Putin's visit could lead to the signing of significant defense deals between the two countries. "India and Russia have a long-standing relationship, and defense cooperation is a key aspect of this partnership," Dr. Dua explained. "Given the current geopolitical climate, I think we can expect some major announcements on defense collaborations during Putin's visit."
The visit comes at a time when India is seeking to bolster its military capabilities, particularly in the wake of recent border tensions with China. Russia is one of India's largest defense suppliers, and the two nations have collaborated on numerous high-profile projects, including the S-400 air defense system.
While the specifics of the defense deals are still unclear, Dr. Dua suggests that they may include the sale of advanced military hardware, such as fighter jets and submarines. "Russia has a lot to offer in terms of cutting-edge defense technology, and I think India is eager to take advantage of this," he said.
The visit is also expected to cover other areas of cooperation, including energy, trade, and space exploration. With tensions between the US and China continuing to escalate, India's relationship with Russia is likely to play a crucial role in shaping its foreign policy in the years to come.