Nuclear cooperation and Sukhoi Su-57; Modi-Putin meeting on Friday

NEW DELHI: A crucial move in India-Russia diplomatic relations is set to happen ahead of the BRICS summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Delhi on Friday. Strategic issues including energy, trade, and nuclear cooperation will be discussed. There will also be crucial moves in defence cooperation.

The sale of Sukhoi 57 fifth-generation fighter jets and technology transfer are likely to be discussed. BrahMos missile modernisation and supply of S-400 systems will be considered. This will include increasing Russia's participation in the construction of new nuclear power plants. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is ready to share technology of Sukhoi 57 with India.

It is noteworthy that the Modi-Putin meeting comes at a time when the US is intensifying pressure on India over Russian oil imports. Moscow has taken a tough stance against the US move to impose additional duties on countries that buy Russian oil. In this context, it is indicated that India-Russia trade and payment systems will be discussed. New cooperation opportunities will also be sought in rare minerals and defence technology. The resources of Russia's Arctic region and the Northern Sea Route are issues of interest to India. Putin will brief Modi on the current situation of the war in Ukraine. He is also likely to express support for India's peace efforts to end the war. PM Modi had asked Putin to end the conflict during his meeting in Bishkek last week.

The process of repatriating Indians serving in the Russian army is underway. Peskov said that a list of them will be prepared and sent back home. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had earlier stated that more than 50 Indians serving in the Russian army have been killed.