India and Russia Defence Deals to cross 16 billion USD after DefExpo 2020

India and Russia have signed 14 MoUs during the DefExpo 2020. It included land, air, naval and other hi-tech civilian products. With the agreements signed the Defence trade between the countries is to cross 16 billion USD.

Highlights

The trade of 16 billion USD between the countries includes S400 missiles, Kamov helicopters and Kalashnikov rifles. During the DefExpo 2020, India’s DRDO (Defence Research Development Organization) signed deals with the Russia’s state run Rosoboron Export on advanced pyrotechnic ignition systems.

India also signed agreements with Russia in order to localize the components used in Kamov Ka-226 helicopters. This is not Technology Transfer. On the other hand, the components used in the helicopter will be produced in India by Russian firm.

US Role

Despite the pressure from the US through CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions), India has proceeded to establish strong defence deals with Russia. In fact, Russia was the largest foreign contributor at DefExpo 2020.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020