Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 3

Russia has assured India that it will not supply arms to Pakistan during an India-Russia meeting in Moscow on Thursday evening.

In the past, Russia supplied half a dozen helicopters to Pakistan that was objected by India and the supplies were suspended. Russia is the largest supplier of weapons and equipment to India, including the lease of a classified nuclear submarine.

Moscow also assured that it stands by New Delhi’s security interests at a wider level.

The discussions were part of an hour-long meeting the Indian delegation led by Rajnath Singh had with the Russian delegation led by Defence Minister Gen Sergey Shoigu.

The two sides also discussed the making of a new type of rifle, the AK203, in India. Both sides said the discussions were at an advanced stage for the establishment of an India-Russian joint venture for the production of the rifle, which is considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces.

Besides, the two countries started a vital two-day “Indra” naval exercise to be conducted off the Straits of Malacca on September 4 and 5. At the meeting, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted “these exercises demonstrated the common interests of both countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region”.

The Indian delegation comprised Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and other senior officials. Singh will also attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation here on Friday.