Russia reiterated on Thursday that it would not supply Pakistan with weapons during a meeting between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, General Sergei Shoigu, in Moscow, people familiar with the events said.
Russia’s pledge not to supply weapons to Pakistan followed a request from India, they said.
“The defense minister got assurance from Russia that he is defending the security interests of India,” they said. Russia also strongly supported the Make in India initiative aimed at self-reliance in the defense sector during the hour-long meeting that covered a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation.
“It was noted that this meeting coincides with Indra’s naval exercises that the Indian and Russian navies will carry out off the Straits of Malacca for the next two days,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Singh said the drills demonstrated the common interests of both countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
“There was a substantial overlap in positions regarding regional and international challenges in the areas of peace and security, reflecting the deep trust and confidence that both parties enjoy as strategic partners,” the statement said.
Singh expressed India’s appreciation for the strong support provided by Russia in addressing the country’s defense and security needs, he said.
General Shoigu reiterated Russia’s commitment to actively engage with India in the Make in India program, including substantial participation in the upcoming Aero India-2021. The show will be held at the Yelahanka Air Base on the outskirts of Bangalore from February 3-7 with all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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