Published 08:41 IST, September 4th 2019
PM Modi in Vladivostok, Russia; Eyes defence technology transfer
PM wishes to develop relations beyond trade and looks towards producing technology in India, later selling the military equipment to third nations at low prices
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Vladivostok for a two-day visit. The PM's visit will be for two primary reasons - firstly, to participate as the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum on the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and secondly, to hold the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit along Putin. The PM's visit to the Russian Far East will aim to develop close and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Russia in the region.
Objectives of PM's visit
PM Modi will look to increase the commercial relations between the two countries in various sectors, such as oil and gas, military, farming, railways, space, etc. The PM has wished to develop the relations between the two countries beyond civil, nuclear and defence areas. The Prime Minister has also specified that the two nations do not want to limit the relations to being just buyers and sellers of military technology, but also develop ways to transfer technology since military equipment can be produced cheaply in India and later be sold to third world countries at low prices.
PM's schedule in Vladivostok
The Prime Minister will be attending multiple events during his two-day visit. He will begin his schedule with a visit to the Zvezda shipbuilding complex with Putin and later in the morning hold the India-Russia summit where multiple talks regarding trade and commerce will be conducted. The leaders will also work towards discussing talks on the Shanghai cooperation, regional issues such as the Gulf, Afghanistan might also be taken up. Post the summit, the two leaders will be making a joint statement on the developments during the summit, such as the deals signed, future expectations, and the further strengthening of ties between the two nations.
PM Modi will be visiting the 'Street to the Far East' exhibition. The exhibition is a unique place for leading Russian and international professionals in economics, public administration. The Russian and Asia-Pacific region business communities come together with the objectives of strengthening ties between the international investment community, Russian businesses, etc. It will also look to showcase new conditions in place for investment and business: advanced special economic zones, the Freeport of Vladivostok, and state support for promising investment projects. In the evening, the PM Modi will attend a dinner hosted by President Putin.
Updated 11:17 IST, September 4th 2019