Table of Contents
BASICS
- Russian president Vladimir Putin flies into New Delhi in his customised IL-96 jet on October 4 to participate in the 19th instalment of what will be one of the most closely watched Indo-Russian summits.
A SPECIAL GIFT
A highlight on the side-lines of the upcoming IndiaRussia bilateral summit is likely to be the gifting of three MiG-21 fighter jets to Russia. They comprise one Type 75 aircraft and two Type 77 aircraft (or Type 96)
A SPECIAL GIFT
The aircraft to be gifted are in flight-worthy condition and the cost of crating and transportation will be borne by the Russians This will be major symbolic gesture to showcase the allweather friendship and deep strategic partnership between India and Russia, which has been put to test in recent times due to changing geopolitical conditions.
THE EMOTIONS BEHIND IT
The MiG-21 has more of emotional value for Russia, as it has the distinction of being the most produced supersonic fighter in history. India inducted the MiG-21s in 1963 and got full technology transfer and rights to license-build the aircraft in the country. It is the first supersonic fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The IAF still has about 120 MiG-21s in service which will all be phased out of service by 2021-22.
NOTES
India is the third largest operator of MiG-21s, behind Russia and China. In 1961, the Indian Air Force (IAF) opted to purchase the MiG-21 over several other Western competitors. As part of the deal, the Soviet Union offered India full transfer of technology and rights for local assembly. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HAL also developed an advanced version of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, known as MiG-21 Bison, which increased its life-span by more than 20 years.
GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DEAL US
officials have warned against the impending sale of the Russian S-400 air defence missile to India, which Sitharaman told media in New Delhi on September 17 was “in the final stage”. India plans to buy five S-400 missile systems for Rs 40,000 crore
OTHER DEALS
- More so, if the other deals in the pipeline fructify including the signing of the Rs 40,000 crore S-400 air defence missile deal, the agreement to produce AK-103 assault rifles, the joint venture between HAL and Rostec, the Russian helicopter production unit to add Ka-226 light utility helicopters to the assembly line as well as 4 Talwar class frigates and two IL-78 transport planes equipped with Israeli early warning systems and the training of ISRO astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.
LEMOA, BECA AND COMCASA LIKE AGREEMENTS WITH RUSSIA
- Russia has now insisted India sign similar protocols with them, hence, one of the items on the agenda of the India-Russia summit is believed to be a LEMOA-like logistics supply agreement.
- It will ease the refuelling and resupply of Indian warships and aircraft when they transit through Russian ports and air bases during military exercises. Signing such agreements with Russia will help the Modi government balance the relationship with Russia and the US, both of which are needed at this critical juncture
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