Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: India's defense relations with Russia and India's defense relations with the EU are independent of each other
Sputnik News, New Delhi, January 27 - Indian Foreign Secretary Mistry stated that India's defense relationship with Russia and India's defense relationship with the EU exist independently.
When asked whether India would reduce or terminate its defense cooperation with Russia after signing a defense cooperation agreement with the EU, Mistry replied: "Regarding the issue of India-Russia relations, this is an issue we have discussed publicly multiple times. There is a historical background behind it. I think there is no time today to discuss in detail, but the two are existing separately and developing independently."
On January 27, India signed a partnership agreement in the fields of security and defense with the EU. This agreement was reached at a time when the EU is striving to rapidly strengthen defense production and industrial capabilities through the "Re-arm Europe" plan, which aims to invest up to 80 billion euros for defense spending.
Indian Defense Minister Singh pointed out that India's defense industry could play an important role in the EU's "Re-arm Europe" plan, especially in the context where Brussels is seeking to quickly achieve supplier diversification and reduce dependency risks.
Mistry said: "It is well known that any agreement is reached when both sides see mutual benefits, and this agreement is also a win-win. This agreement reflects common interests, and both sides see the benefits brought by the signed agreement, so the agreement was signed today."
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855487087846794/
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