New Delhi: Speaking at the inaugural Indo-Russia ‘2+2’ dialogue, Defence Minister Rajnath said that India is faced with challenges arising out of “extraordinary militarisation” in its neighbourhood and “completely unprovoked aggression” on the northern border.


The remarks came as India and Russia inked a pact for joint production of over six lakh AK-203 rifles and extended military cooperation till 2031.


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Along with Defence Minister Rajnath, the ‘2+2’ foreign and defence talks had External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and Russian Defence Minister Gen Sergey Shoigu in attendance. The ministers held a comprehensive discussion on strategically important bilateral and regional issues.


Without naming China, Rajnath Singh said: “The pandemic, the extra-ordinary militarisation and expansion of armament in our neighbourhood and the completely unprovoked aggression on our northern border since early summer of 2020 have thrown in several challenges”, news agency PTI reported.


He added that India is confident of overcoming these challenges with the strong political will and inherent capability of its people.


“Recognising that its development needs are colossal and that its defence challenges are legitimate, real and immediate, India seeks partners who are sensitive and responsive to India’s expectations and requirements,” the Defence Minister said.


Rajnath Singh expressed hope that Russia will remain a major partner for India in these “changing circumstances”.


“From Ministry of Defence we have urged for greater military-technical collaboration, advanced research, co-development and co-production of defence equipment leading to the self-reliance of India,” he informed.


“Separately, we proposed greater engagements in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean region. India is a continuation of the vast Eurasian landmass and at the same time central in the enormous Indian Ocean region,” he added.


The Defence Minister further stated that “we are optimistic about Russia’s cooperation in all the domains”.


Referring to his bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister Gen Sergey Shoigu, Rajnath Singh said that he had discussed the “emerging challenges India is confronted with and the enhanced requirement of India for closer military and military-technical cooperation with Russia”.


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Meanwhile, in his remarks, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the ties between India and Russia have been “close and time-tested” in a world that has changed so much.


“They (the ties) have been exceptionally steady,” he added.


Talking further about the India-Russia ties, S Jaishankar said: “We are meeting at a critical juncture in the global geopolitical environment which is in great flux, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic”.


“As close friends and strategic partners, India and Russia have been working together to safeguard our common interests and to ensure peace, progress and prosperity for our peoples,” he added.


The External Affairs Minister also mentioned that the situation in Afghanistan has wider repercussions including for central Asia.


“The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the current model of global affairs. But the long-standing challenges remain even as new ones emerge Prominent among them are terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. The situation in Afghanistan has wider repercussions, including for Central Asia,” he said, as quoted by PTI.


At the other end, Russian Defence Minister Gen Sergey Shoigu said that bilateral military-technical cooperation is especially important in India-Russia relations, and that he and Rajnath Singh had finalised plans for future cooperation.


Russian foreign minister Lavrov stated that the 2+2 ministerial dialogue mechanism will further expand traditional understanding and help reinforce the bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership.


“Both Russia and India have a similar worldview of a more poly-centric, more multi-polar, more equitable world order. We advocate similar or identical positions on the most important political and military issues,” he said.


(With Agency Inputs)