Rogozin, Swaraj discuss defence, energy cooperation

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin on the two countries’ strategic cooperation in energy and defence sectors in Moscow, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said Monday in a statement.

Earlier in the day, the top Indian diplomat met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the Russia-India-China (RIC) format in the Russian capital.

"Meeting with DPM Rogozin provided opportunity for depth review of the Strategic Partnership. They also discussed the energy partnership between India and Russia and ways to strengthen it," the statement reads.

India, new BRICS chair, will take forward Russian initiatives

According to Swarup, Swaraj and Rogozin also reviewed progress in Russia’s participation in India’s defence sector under the Make In India program launched to transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub.

A defence cooperation deal between the two countries was signed in December 2015 and envisions the Russian Kamov Ka-226 helicopter being built in India.

The two sides are looking forward to the next summit of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation in India, Swarup added.

Russia and India have enjoyed mutually beneficial strategic relations, especially in the field of defence and military cooperation, since the 1960s.

First published by Sputnik.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.