Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has closed more than 10 billion US dollar (54 milliarder DKR) in agreements with India, increasing Russia’s role as a partner in defense, nuclear energy, aerospace and communications, BBC online reports Friday.
Putin, in five visits here over the past decade, has spearheaded Russia’s effort to revive Cold War-era ties to India and fend off growing competition for defense and energy contracts from the US and Europe. The Kremlin is playing on Indian ambitions to become a global power capable of rivaling China and sending manned missions to outer space.
Russian companies signed more than a dozen deals, including agreements to deliver India’s second aircraft carrier in 2012, build as many as 16 nuclear reactors and sell 29 MiG-29 fighter jets.
Russia and India share a wariness over China’s ascendancy and its support for Pakistan. India has become Russia’s biggest arms customer, supplanting China.
The biggest thorn in ties has been Russia’s overhaul of the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, which has been beset by delays and cost overruns.
Russian and Indian officials also discussed boosting bilateral trade, which is currently worth 8 billion dollar.
