Russia and India Cooperation - 2002-12-04

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, arrived in India to discuss various issues with officials of that country, including the fight against terrorism, defense cooperation, and the Iraq crisis. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister of India, hosted a banquet in honor of the Russian leader shortly after his arrival. Official negotiations between the leaders of the two countries will begin tomorrow. It is expected that the parties will form a working group to coordinate the anti-terrorism efforts of the two countries. Russia is a major supplier of military equipment to India, and according to an Indian newspaper, the Indian Navy intends to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia. The two countries are also discussing the sale of Russian-made aircraft carriers to India after their repair and completion. The leaders of Russia and India have pledged to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and to enhance military and economic cooperation between the two countries. Vladimir Putin, during his visit to India in New Delhi, told reporters that our grave duty is to stop terrorism in the world and in sensitive areas for our two countries. The Russian leader stated at a press conference that Pakistan must prevent incursions into Indian Kashmir and work to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in the region. Pakistan claims it cannot single-handedly stop the porous border crossings.