In a significant diplomatic move, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, concluded a five-day visit to Russia, solidifying key agreements and discussions that spanned diverse areas of cooperation.
Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Expanded: During the visit, India and Russia announced the expansion of their civilian nuclear cooperation. Moscow has expressed its willingness to share advanced technology for small modular reactors (SMRs) designed for power generation. These reactors, with a capacity ranging from 75MW to 300MW, are at the forefront of the countries’ collaborative efforts. Both nations are actively working towards completing Phase 1 of the 6,000MW Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the collaboration includes the commissioning of Reactors 3 and 4 at Kudankulam, with an emphasis on accelerating the progress of Reactors 5 and 6. The move is particularly significant as other nuclear projects, such as the US Westinghouse-supported Kovvada project and the French Areva-backed Jaitapur project, face delays due to negotiations.
Strategic Diplomacy and Defense Ties: Jaishankar’s visit included meetings with key Russian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Notably, the External Affairs Minister had an unexpected interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 27. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence at the annual summit due to G20 commitments, assurances were given for the 2024 summit. Russia, acknowledging India’s strategic autonomy, remains a crucial defense partner, supplying nearly 65% of India’s military hardware. Talks focused on strengthening spare parts supplies, affected by delays stemming from Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. The delivery of three out of five S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has been accomplished, and India is set to receive an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine on a long-term lease from Moscow in 2025.
Joint Ventures and Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The visit aligns with Russia’s assumption of the BRICS presidency, fostering discussions on potential joint ventures, reminiscent of successful collaborations like the Brahmos missile and AK-203 rifle projects under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. One prospective area for joint venture exploration is the manufacture of Kamov 226 T multi-purpose helicopters.
Navigating Northern Sea Routes Amidst Houthi Attacks: Against the backdrop of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, India is engaging in talks with Russia to explore the viability of northern sea routes as an alternative. The increasing usability of these routes due to the effects of global warming has garnered attention, providing potential solutions for shipping in adverse conditions. While India has investments in the oil and gas sector in northern Russia, it is noteworthy that President Putin supplied crude to India at discounted rates during the Ukraine war, demonstrating the resilience of bilateral ties.
As India and Russia solidify their partnership across various sectors, the diplomatic visit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Anushka Pundir is a driven student currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration (F&A) at Amity University. Anushka embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Hons) from Delhi University, a testament to her diverse interests. Following her undergraduate studies, she dedicated herself to the rigorous preparation for UPSC and other government exams, showcasing her commitment to public service.
Latest entries
