Russian Origin Defence Equipment Deployed In Ladakh, Signifies Special Relationship: Indian Envoy

Slew of Russian origin equipment are deployed in Ladakh as India faces challenge from China reminiscent of 1962 War when Soviet origin helicopters were transporting Indian troops also in same zone and this signifies depth of strategic partnership, according to Indian Ambassador to Russia B Venkatesh Varma. 

“India and Russia enjoy a number of pillars which have been traditional pillars, defense being one of them. You may recall that in 1962, when we had a border problem with China, there were Mi-4 helicopters of Soviet origin which were transporting our troops to Ladakh. Many decades later, we face the similar situation of protecting our interests and supporting our troops. A lot of Russian origin equipment is being deployed there,” Varma told Doordarshan on the occasion of 20th anniversary of decoration of strategic partnership. 

He also mentioned that the historical record shows that Russia has refrained from supplying combat equipment to one of India’s neighbors and that is a very positive element in bilateral relationship. 

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Referring to Modi-Putin personal chemistry, the envoy noted, “They have met 22 times since 2014. They have spoken 4 times this year on the telephone. President Putin greeted PM Modi on his birthday. PM Modi reciprocated this gesture and congratulated President Putin on 7th of October. So taking forward this special and privileged relationship between our two leaders is indeed a great asset. In fact, I think it is the most important asset in this very complex world, when we have leaders of both countries taking care of the relationship in a long term perspective. I think that gives a certain amount of stability and predictability that would not be otherwise available.”