This refers to the editorial, “India’s friend for ever” (October 17). Russia is one of India's oldest and most trusted defence partners. Today, upto 70 per cent of India's Navy and nearly 80 per cent of its Air Force is Russian-made. India’s increasing industrial strength has now prompted it to pursue a major defence deal with Russia. It would be nice to further accelerate our partnership with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
Moreover, we have to also fulfill our aim to become a global manufacturing hub. Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly said that India needs to increase defence preparedness, as it has huge requirements to manage internal security. It must be remembered that, to improve our acquisition and approval process, we need to ensure that our technology does not fall into the wrong hands. If India’s defence industry becomes strong, it will boost the country’s security preparedness.