1. India-Russia Defense Issues
External Affairs Jaswant Singh, in Russia for the first meeting of an India-Russia joint commission on defense cooperation, sought to allay Russia fears regarding India's position on the US missile defense program. Singh said, "There is no difference between India and Russia on the issue. It is the press that has blown the issue out of proportion." He added, "The ABM treaty is a bilateral agreement...which should not be abrogated unilaterally. We have not supported the US proposal for building the NMD system." However, while the two countries affirmed their defense relationship, there was no joint statement on missile defense.
"No rift between India, Russia on NMD: Jaswant"
"Defence cooperation with Russia a priority: Jaswant"
Pakistan's The News reports that India will acquire ballistic missile defenses from Russia, including the S-300MV and S-300 PMU2 systems. According to the Moscow Times, reports The News, Russia will develop a missile defense system for India as part of a $10 billion package.
"India's national shield aimed to deter Pakistan"
The Times of India reports claims in Russian dailies that India will finance the completion of two Schuka-B class nuclear submarines and that India will acquire three AMUR-1650 submarines for $1.2 billion and a license to build six more for $1.5 billion. The submarines can be equipped with the nuclear-capable RK-55 Granat cruise missile, which has a range of 3,200 km.
"'India plans to acquire latest submarines'"