NATIONAL: India, Russia Set to Sign Civil Nuclear Cooperation Pact
Russian President Vladimir Putin heads to New Delhi on December 4 for a two-day state visit, his first since early 2024 tensions eased.
This annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promises to seal pacts that could redefine bilateral dynamics amid global shifts. Expect candid talks on everything from energy flows to frontier tech.
Nuclear Ties Set for Signature
Moscow’s cabinet has greenlit a memorandum of understanding to expand civil nuclear collaboration, eyeing reactors at sites like Kudankulam.
While the Duma’s role focuses on oversight, this MoU aligns with long-standing joint ventures that power India’s grid.
It underscores Russia’s tech edge in helping New Delhi meet rising energy demands sustainably.
RELOS Ratified for Swift Support
The Russian parliament just endorsed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support agreement, inked back in February.
This pact streamlines aid during joint ops or crises, cutting red tape for cross-border military moves. Key perks include:
- Shared access to ports and airspace for warships and aircraft.
- Coordinated exercises and training drills.
- Humanitarian logistics in disasters, from supplies to evacuations.
Volodin’s Nod to Enduring Bonds
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin hailed the partnership as “strategic and comprehensive,” a bedrock for mutual growth.
He spotlighted RELOS as a practical step to weave military fabrics tighter without fanfare.
Such words from the Kremlin inner circle signal unwavering commitment, even as world alliances fracture.
Putin’s Playbook for Prosperity
Ahead of the trip, Putin voiced eagerness to “elevate cooperation” across energy, space, and farms, targeting stalled projects for revival.
He flagged plans to ramp up Indian imports to Moscow, balancing trade scales.
On oil, despite a brief dip, he pledged Russia’s role as India’s top supplier, dodging the Western squeeze.
Defense Deals in the Spotlight
Talks will zero in on fresh S-400 squadrons, with Rostec floating offers for five more units to shield skies.
Broader defense chatter covers Su-57 jets and S-500 systems, blending old reliables with next-gen firepower.
This arms upgrade fits India’s self-reliance push while locking in Russia’s export wins.
Trade and Tech on the Table
Beyond guns and atoms, expect ink on RuPay-Mir card linkage for seamless payments and labor mobility for skilled workers.
Putin aims to hit $100 billion in bilateral trade by the decade’s end, weaving in Arctic routes and green hydrogen.
These threads could knit economies closer, offering buffers against sanction storms.
A Partnership Under Scrutiny
As U.S. eyes narrow on discounted Russian crude fueling New Delhi’s tanks, this rendezvous tests India’s multi-alignment tightrope.
Will it yield harmony or heighten rivalries? For now, the duo’s script reads like a blueprint for resilience in choppy seas.