In an effort to further cement ties between the two countries, India and Russia are likely to have the first two plus two(2+2) dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of their countries here on December five or six. The talks will be held alongside summit between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two plus two dialogue may see progress on the proposed leasing of a second nuclear powered submarine from Russia, procurement of additional 450 T-90 main battle tanks, S-400 air defence systems, additional SU-30 fighter jets and inking of the AK-203 rifles deal worth over Rs 6,000 crores. The Defence Acquisition Council(DAC)on Tuesday gave the nod for the seven lakh rifle contract. A factory in Amethi will manufacture the rifles under a joint venture between India and Russia.
India will host the first ever two plus two with Russia wherein External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are likely to hold talks with their Russian counterparts Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Shoygu. So far, India has such a format with US, Japan and Australia, sources said here on Wednesday.
It was also learnt the two plus two meeting between India and US in Washington earlier scheduled to be held in late November or early December stands postponed. Sources said the event was shifted to January due winter session of parliament commencing November 29 and ending on December 23.
Giving the background of the upcoming two plus two, sources said the format was agreed upon during a telephonic conversation between Modi and Putin in April this year.
The 2+2 talks are also likely to see the ministers review the progress made on proposed deal for Russian made short range air defence systems and the joint venture to manufacture more than 200 Kamov helicopters here.
India and Russia are also likely to ink the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) Agreement and a Navy-to-Navy cooperation MoU. There is also a proposal to establish a separate Joint Commission on Science and Technology Cooperation to look at high technology areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cyber, quantum, nano and bio-advances which could be announced.
The ministers will also review the progress made on having joint ventures in India for long-term support and maintenance of Russian military equipment used by the Indian forces.
Since both the countries are fighting the corona pandemic, the two plus two will also see focus on more cooperation. Russia had helped India during the second wave of corona earlier this year. Moreover, Russian made Sputnik vaccines are now available in the country besides Covishield and Covaxin.