In the past decade if something that affected negatively most of bilateral relations between India and Russia it was defence, the field in which both the countries had enjoyed most intense relationship. It is a truism that minus Soviet/Russian component India’s defence sector could have mostly rudimental or something different. Expectedly, the Putin visit to India on 11^th and 12^th of March would shed much of pessimism that set in bilateral defence relations in most of the last decade. In fact it was Vladimir Putin who endeavored to give a new spin to bilateral relationship during his visit to India in 2000 when both the countries signed the strategic partnership agenda, and one can hope that it is during his visit both the countries will march past the past differences over defence relations and usher in a new era of healthy and productive defence cooperation. Needless to add, more than fifty percent of India’s arms are of Soviet/Russian origin.

The most important as well as crucial irritant in bilateral defence cooperation was that of Admiral Gorshkov. Inked in January 2004 at the cost of $1.4billion, the aircraft carrier was supposed to be delivered in 2008. However, later the differences over the aircraft deal dragged on and on. Almost half a decade passed towards reaching an amicable resolution of the controversy. The pessimists and the hardliners in India argued for diversifying the India’s sources for procuring defence material, particularly indicating to the US and other countries like Israel and France. However, the Indian ruling establishment particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was keen not to let the deal go out of hand. The deal had already cost India a huge amount, and besides that India’s already aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was ageing too much to be stationed for long for use. The Admiral Gorshkov, rechristened by India as INS Vikramaditya, could only help India maintain equilibrium in its defence, particularly in naval preparation, in a competitive and at times hostile region.

The Russian argument was that the initial calculation was not correct one, as the later costs of refitting the carrier at the Shevmash Shipyard, rose dramatically. Besides the refitting cost, the delay in the refitting also further raised its cost. It was during the visit of President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, to India in December 2008 the resolution of the vexed issue appeared bright. Both the countries agreed to resolve contentious issues expeditiously including the issue of Admiral Gorshkov. Optimists predicted that the issue would be resolved within ‘three months.’ However, it finally took about a year or little more for final resolution of the controversial issue to come. The visit of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin could not have been better timed as of now. Both the countries celebrated the years 2008 and 2009 as years of friendship in both the countries. And the year 2010 appeared propitious as the friendship appeared bearing fruits towards resolution of contentious issues, and further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

The groundwork of Putin’s forthcoming visit was prepared by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Sergei Sobyanin during his visit to New Delhi on 15th and 16th of February 2010. During his visit, Sobyanin met Prime Minister Singh, and his ministers of external affairs, defence and commerce. It appeared that the gradual shrinking space of India-Russia defence cooperation will be covered as well as widened with the visit of Putin. The range of agreements likely to be signed during Putin visit corroborates this point of view.

During the visit of Putin, both the countries are likely to sign three agreements on military technical cooperation worth $ 4 billion. This also includes the deal on retrofitting the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. As per the new understanding, the aircraft carrier deal will be signed at $2.34 billion. The initial Indian hesitation, or what one of former Naval Chief of India termed the carrier ‘trojan horse’ has been put to rest now. India under the current agreement will pay the additional amount. Besides the aircraft carrier deal, both the countries are likely to sign another $1.2 billion deal for 29 more MiG-29K maritime fighters. Both the countries are also likely to sign an agreement for joint development of the stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and the multi-role transport aircraft (MTA). As per reports, there are also plans of India to procure additional 40-45 Sukhoi-30MKIs to add to the 230 of these fighters already contracted. During the Putin visit, the deal regarding the finalisation of the commissioning of the K-152 Nerpa Akula-II nuclear-powered submarine in Indian Navy, under a 10-year lease flowing from a deal inked in 2004, may likely take place.

Regarding cooperation in the nuclear field, the Putin visit will also likely add to the existing status of cooperation. Russian cooperation with India in nuclear cooperation with India is indeed phenomenal. Russia’s cooperation towards getting approval from Nuclear Suppliers’ Group for India cannot be denied. During Putin’s visit agreement related to nuclear reactors in Kundankulam in Indian state of Tamil Nadu will likely be signed. There may be another agreement for the newly identified nuclear reactor site of Haripur in West Bengal.