New Delhi. Russian Embassy in India on January 19 hosted a protocol event in New Delhi in honour of the first group of Indian military specialists heading to Moscow for S-400 air defence systems training courses.

In his welcoming speech, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “We are delighted to welcome you today in the Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Delhi on this remarkable occasion – very soon the first group of the Indian military specialists will depart to Russia for the S-400 air defence systems training courses.”

Kudashev observed that agreement on the S-400 supplies is one of the flagship initiatives of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation, which constitutes the main pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India.

“It is based on mutual trust and reflects the true spirit of our bilateral and multilateral commitments in the framework of our vision towards just and equal relations based on the international law and the UN Charter,” the Russian envoy said.

“Coming out of bipolar world and successfully proceeding through the current establishment of the polycentric order, our partnership is becoming even stronger experiencing new areas and forms of mutually beneficial and forward looking cooperation. It is absolutely true for our military and military-technical ties, which are based on ever growing extraordinary mutual interest, coherence, consistence and complementarity,” the Russian Ambassador noted.

Throughout the years, Russian-Indian friendship has become an important factor of stability in the region and the globe. Currently Russia and India are deeply involved in joint development and production of military equipment, components and spare parts as well as technologies sharing, improving after-sales service system.

He said, “We have developed an advanced legal base for this purpose. Along with S-400 systems project, we are successfully moving towards implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikovs contract (more than 700 thousand items to be produced at the JV Indo-Russian Rifles in India), 200 Ka-226 helicopters supplies and production in India as well as an advanced cooperation in the areas of combat aviation (including Su-30MKI programme), main battle tanks (T-90), frigates, submarines and missiles, including joint production of unique BrahMos.”

Russia is looking forward to an early implementation of the spare parts joint production agreement, which also fits well in Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programmes. Work also is going on the mutual logistics support agreement, strengthening maritime cooperation, including in the Indian Ocean.

The Russian envoy noted that the next big step is the Aero-India – 2021 international exhibition and conference in Bangalore in February, where Russia intends to be one of the biggest exhibitors. “We plan to demonstrate Su-57, Su-35 and MiG-35 fighter jets, helicopters Ka-52, Ka-226, Mi-17B-5, Mi-26 as well S-400 systems and many other new items and equipment,” he added.

In his concluding remarks, he said: “Altogether with new developments, your departure is marking a new stage in our strategic partnership, and we wish you a very successful stay in Russia! No doubt that all members of the Indian team will get a high quality knowledge and exciting experience as well as a feeling of the beauty of the country and its people!”

“We are very proud of you, and on behalf of the Embassy we sincerely wish you the best of health, every success and all the good luck! Have a nice and memorable visit to Russia! Thank you very much!”

The event was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The participants also visited the Russian Embassy’s Alexander M Kadakin Museum during this occasion.