India signs mega defence deals with 'old friend' Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin with PM Modi at Benaulim. Pic/PTI

Benaulim (Goa): India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, space and smart cities.

Calling Russia an "old friend", Modi said, "Russia's stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own."

Need continuous support of SA: India
PM Modi sought South Africa's continued support for India's membership in the NSG. "PM Modi also tha­n­k­ed President Zuma for showing solidarity with India post Uri attacks," MEA rep Vikas Swarup said.

Terror, NSG discussed during Modi-Xi talks
India on Saturday made it clear to China that they can't afford to have differences on terrori­sm. "Pres­ident Xi said we sho­u­ld streng­then our security dialogue," MEA rep Vikas Swarup said, adding that they also had a "brief discus­sion" on India's NSG bid.