India is an exceptionally important partner Russian defense minister
Andrey Belousov has called New Delhi a traditional friend in the military-technical sector
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has stressed the importance of the Russia-India partnership, noting that Moscow's long-term friendship with New Delhi extends into the military-technical sector.
Belousov held talks with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Qingdao, China on Thursday.
"India is an exceptionally important strategic partner for us, a traditional friend - including in the military and military-technical spheres," Belousov said at the meeting. Singh stated: "We had insightful deliberations on boosting India-Russia defense ties."
India's military currently relies heavily on Russian-origin equipment, with around 60% of its arsenal being of Russian make. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, the effectiveness of India's air defenses was bolstered by the Russian-made S-400 mobile surface-to-air missile systems, which was recently highlighted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised its performance during the standoff.
New Delhi, however, has been pushing to indigenize its defense sector, under the 'Make in India' initiative led by Modi. Russian defense companies have taken part in a number of joint ventures in India over the last two decades. BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are manufactured by India's Defense Research and Development Organization and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, and have been in service in the Indian Armed Forces since June 2007.
Last month, India inaugurated a new production unit for the BrahMos missile in Uttar Pradesh. According to Defense Ministry officials, this facility will enable India toboostits defense stockpiles, which is crucial given the current volatile security environment.
New Delhi's long-standing defense ties with Moscow have irked Washington. Earlier this month, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said India's relations with Russia are a point ofcontentionin its relationship with the US, especially with the increasing sanctions on Russian entities. During the meeting on Thursday with Singh in Qingdao, Belousov expressed his condolences over the recent crash of an Air India aircraft, which killed 270 people. The Russian defense minister conveyed words of sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of the victims.
width="560"
height="315"
src="https://mf.b37mrtl.ru/files/2025.06/685d24ed85f5407c75499151.mp4" frameborder="0"
>
(RT.com)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
23 minutes ago
- United News of India
CEL playing a leading role in data centers and green energy: CM Yogi
Ghaziabad, Jun 26(UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday described Central Electronics Limited (CEL)'s journey as a symbol of India's industrial revival and self-reliance. He said that CEL is a key part of Prime Minister Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047, and that through organizations like these, new India is moving forward with strength, technology, and confidence. CM Yogi and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone for the CEL-ESDS Green Data Centre in Sahibabad, Ghaziabad on Thursday. During the event, the CM expressed happiness about the new greenfield data centre being developed by CEL. He said, ' It is a strong step toward achieving PM Modi's goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.' He also mentioned that Uttar Pradesh will generate 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2027, with CEL playing a key role in this mission. At the Golden Jubilee celebration of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) in Ghaziabad and the foundation stone-laying ceremony of its new data center, CM Yogi took part in the Puja and also visited the exhibition, where he was given information about the data center and its operations. He also planted a sapling as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. During the event, CEL also handed over a cheque worth Rs 21 crore to the Government of India, and an MoU was exchanged between CEL and Multi Infra for a 200 MW solar module project. Speaking at the event, the CM described CEL's 50-year journey as an inspiring success story, saying that the company has now entered the "Amrit Kaal" and is playing a key role in fulfilling PM Modi's vision of a developed India. He recalled that there was a time when CEL faced uncertain days and was even put on the list for disinvestment. 'However, today CEL has become a profit-making 'Mini Ratna' company and is handing over dividends to the government. This change is an inspiration for Atmanirbhar (Self-Reliant) India,' he added. The CM praised CEL for its innovations in sectors like railways, defence, renewable energy, and education. He said that CEL's technology and creativity are making the nation stronger. Highlighting its contributions, the Chief Minister noted that CEL plays a key role in areas such as smart classrooms, signaling systems, renewable energy modules, and defence equipment. He also mentioned that CEL made India's first solar photovoltaic module in 1974 and is now setting up the country's first greenfield data center. Talking about the Defence Manufacturing Corridor, he said that equipment for BrahMos missiles is also being produced with the help of organizations like CEL. Referring to Operation Sindoor, CM Yogi said that BrahMos and Akash missiles were recently used against Pakistan. 'We can say that the capacity of both these missiles have been 'tested' in Pakistan and 'trusted' worldwide,' he remarked. The Chief Minister also linked CEL's progress to the changing image of Uttar Pradesh. He said that in the past eight years, the state's economy has grown 2.5 times, lifting 6 crore people out of poverty. Investors are now eager to invest in Uttar Pradesh, which was earlier known as a backward state. 'Today, Uttar Pradesh is becoming the growth engine of the country,' he added. Out of Rs 50 lakh crore worth of investment proposals, Rs 15 lakh crore of investments have already started production after the groundbreaking ceremonies. Speaking about CEL's journey, CM Yogi said, 'Your childhood was good, then you faced some challenges in your youth, but now you have entered your Amrit Kaal.' This is a period of the next 25 years dedicated to making India self-reliant and developed. He added that Prime Minister Modi has often stressed the need to connect educational institutions with industry, and Uttar Pradesh has excellent institutes like IITs, IIMs, universities, and central laboratories to help achieve this goal. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said that CEL has its own legacy. The company invented the first solar cell back in 1970, and now, 50 years later, it is about to set up a green data center. He praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying, 'Your name is already part of history for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and I'm happy that two institutions under my ministry also contributed to it.' He also announced that the country's first quantum unit will soon be established at IIT Noida. In addition, a biotechnology park will be set up near Lucknow, and a two- or three-day startup conclave is planned for August. UNI MBD RKM
Economic Times
24 minutes ago
- Economic Times
India to remain a bright spot amid global uncertainty: World Bank's Auguste Kouame
Despite global economic uncertainties, India is projected to maintain strong growth, with a GDP increase of 6.3% in FY26, supported by its robust domestic economy and lower trade dependency. However, challenges remain, including stagnant manufacturing growth and increasing divergence among states. Artificial intelligence, energy, and skill development are identified as key growth drivers. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Economy 1. Icra retains FY26 GDP forecast at 6.2% Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India is expected to remain a bright spot in the global economy despite trade and policy uncertainty, economists and experts noted at a panel discussion on Thursday.'India has a strong domestic economy and remains a bright spot in the global economy,' said Auguste Kouame, country director for India at the World Bank India's gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by 6.3% in FY26, according to the World Bank. The Indian economy expanded by 6.5% in lower trade dependency provides it buffer against global volatility, panelists noted speaking at the India Policy Forum 2025 by NCAER.'India will be less affected than other countries in Asia as trade accounts for 40% of GDP, while for others it is 80%,' said Joyce Chang, managing director and chair of global research, J.P. April, the United States announced tariffs on around 60 countries worldwide, including India, which was hit by a 26% tariff rate. While this has been paused for 90 days until July 9, the baseline tariff of 10% remains in place.'A tariff is like a tax that will be borne mostly by the consumers,' said the United States, this could be an additional tax of $400 billion and offset growth by 0.6-0.7 percentage points, she World Bank projects US economic growth to grow to 1.4% in 2025 compared to 2.8% in emphasized the importance of India's role in the global economy, particularly within the Global South. 'The global economy stands on four key anchors – US, China, European Union, and Global South, and India will play a big role in the global south coalition,' he India aims to become an advanced economy by 2047, there is a puzzle which policymakers are struggling with, noted Prachi Mishra, director and head, Ashoka Isaac Center for Public Policy, Ashoka University.'Manufacturing's share in GDP has remained stagnant over the years, and the paradox is that despite being labour-abundant, India's domestic production and exports are becoming increasingly capital intensive,' Mishra accounts for around 17% of India's also raised concern that divergence among states has global headwinds, panelists believed that the financial markets would remain ahead, Kouame identified that artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and skill development are some of the key areas that will drive growth for the global economy.
Economic Times
29 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Krafton launches IPL-style esports league in India. Check details
Live Events How to Enroll: Email Krafton with your expression of interest before the deadline. Confirm your willingness to participate in the bidding. Receive all necessary documentation and next steps from Krafton. (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Krafton, the creator of PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG: Mobile, and the Indian version Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has officially announced the launch of a franchise-based esports league in its press release, Krafton emphasized India's rapidly growing gaming ecosystem, which now boasts over 450 million gamers and a 400% rise in esports viewership over the past three years. With revenues expected to surpass Rs 1,100 crore by 2025, Krafton sees this as a pivotal moment for esports in the country.'This isn't just the beginning of another tournament—it's the foundation of a long-term sporting ecosystem with the potential to rival the world's most iconic leagues,' the company is now accepting expressions of interest from corporates, public figures, athletes, content creators, and investors looking to become franchise owners in this groundbreaking parties must express their intent by July 4, 2025. Upon reaching out, Krafton will share a detailed information deck, Letter of Intent (LOI), and proceed with further discussions regarding the bidding move aligns with Krafton's broader commitment to India. CEO Changhan 'CH' Kim recently told IGN India that the company's total investment in the country will rise from $170 million to $310 million over the next two years. Krafton is also ramping up its in-house game development in India, beyond localizing global has partnered with Indian celebrities from sports and entertainment, and with major brands like OnePlus, Hyundai, and iQOO. BGMI continues to thrive through marquee tournaments such as BGIS and BMPS, offering top-tier prize pools and professional esports this new league, Krafton aims to permanently cement India's place in the global esports arena.
