Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia remained India's leading supplier of advanced weapons and defence technology as the two countries have been active military partners.
Our countries actively collaborate in the military technical field. Russia remains in the lead in terms of both direct supplies of most advanced weapons and military equipment and conducting joint researches with India as well as producing goods for military purposes.Vladmir Putin, President, Russia
"The construction of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the development of a new, fifth generation fighter aircraft are mong the successful joint projects," Putin said in response to questions ahead of his visit to Goa to attend the BRICS Summit.
He said many of the Russian projects in India not only have commercial importance but also play a significant social and economic role for the economies of the two countries.
Such projects “harmoniously fit in the new Indian industrialisation programme” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin said, referring to Modi's "Make in India" initiative.
India ‘Privileged Strategic Partner’
Putin on Thursday described India as Russia's "privileged strategic partner" adding that cooperation between the two nations was moving towards the right direction.
Cooperation between our countries is making good headway in all areas on the basis of strong traditions of friendship, trust and mutual respect.
Putin, along with leaders of other leaders of BRICS countries, will be in India to attend the two day summit on 15-16 October.
BRICS is a club of emerging economies, made up of 5 countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge United States and other Western economies.
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