Arms deal will strengthen India-Russia ties: Defence expert

New Delhi [India], Oct. 15 (ANI): Defence expert Major General (Retd.) G.D. Bakshi on Saturday said that the arms deal sealed between India and Russia during the ongoing BRICS Summit will not only boost the economies of both sides but will also strengthen the relations between them. "We hope that energetic steps will be taken to bridge the gap in the relationship between India and Russia," Major General (Retd.)Bakshi said. "Russia is the only country in the world which shares cutting-edge technology with us. Nuclear submarines, fifth generation fighters, S-400 Surface-to-air missile- no other country is ready to share this cutting edge technology with us," he added. Stressing on the fact that the arms deal will benefit both countries, Bakshi told ANI, "Russia's economy is being affected by America's sanction and also bogged down by low oil prices. Under such conditions, India can help Russia through arms deal. Where will they get multi-billion dollar deals? Pakistan cannot buy as many arms as India is buying." Major General (Retd.) Bakshi hoped that Russia will help frame a declaration during the BRICS Summit that the country which supports terrorists and supplies arms, ammunitions and funds will be condemned. During the ongoing BRICS Summit, India and Russia announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India. India will buy surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as the two sides strengthen their military relationship. The pacts were signed after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa. India and Russia today signed a number of agreements in several fields including infrastructure, defence, ship building, science and technology and railways. (ANI)