Amidst news of Russia selling Defence equipment to Pakistan, Russian Ambassador to India Alexander M Kadakin on Monday said Moscow will not do anything detrimental to New Delhi’s security and interests. A day before Russian President Vladimir Putin is to arrive in India to attend the 15th India—Russia Annual Summit, Kadakin clarified that the helicopters being supplied to Pakistan are for its civilian needs and have nothing to do with its Defence.
In June this year, Russia lifted a long-standing, self-imposed weapons embargo against Pakistan leaving India fuming. Russia and Pakistan are in talks for supply of Mi-35 attack helicopters and Mil Mi-25 gunships. Pakistan has also shown interest in buying Russian Mi-26 Halo heavy transport helicopters.
“Russia will not do anything detrimental to Indian security or Indian interest. Helicopters that Pakistan is asking for are civilian. You must be rest assured, India is a strategic partner and closest friend,” Kadakin said while trying to allay concerns by India
Putin will be on a two-day visit to India from December 10 to 11. During the visit, President Putin will hold detailed talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides strengthening their defence relationship, the two countries plan to push their nuclear energy ties to a higher level.
About 15 agreements are on cards including setting up of nuclear energy units in India and the two countries are likely to come out with a roadmap for cooperation in the energy sector.
Russia may set up a total of 20-24 nuclear energy units in India against previously agreed 14-16 plants as both countries are likely to come out with a roadmap for cooperation in the crucial energy sector during Putin’s visit here. Kadakin said both countries are likely to start negotiations for setting up of unit five and six at the Kudankulam nuclear power complex soon and may sign a technical pact for unit 3 and 4 during Putin’s visit.
“The Summit is taking place against the background of a burdened international milieu, when we face increasing pressure of the US and their allies, trying to force our country to succumb its state sovereignty and act against our own national interests. This will never happen, and these daydreaming minions should better get rid of illusions that Russia would ever act under anybody’s diktat or pressure. Who are they to dictate to usIJ” Kadakin commented.
India has said that it will not be party to any sanctions against its “close friend” Russia. Kadakin complimented India for supporting Russia and standing against the “aspirations of certain States towards domination or their destructive mixing of political and economic goals.”
While Kadakin said India was a super power in the making and it was free to make its friends, he had an interesting comment on this, “We do not feel jealous. Though of course, I would say India is a very rich fiancee and those bridegrooms loitering around and roaming around India, its good. It is good to have many grooms for a beautiful fiancee. But (no one) should deceive you by promising a marriage and then fail you,” he joked.