Amid tensions with China, Russia backed a fast-paced arms supply

New delhi date. 24 June 2020, Wednesday

There is a saying that the only true friend is the one who supports us in times of trouble. Russia, an old ally of India, has stepped in to help in times of crisis amid tensions between India and China. While Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is currently on a visit to Russia, Russia has promised all possible help, including a speedy supply of weapons.

"I hope that Russia will supply arms to India as soon as possible and all India's demands will be met," Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in his address to Russia on Tuesday. In response, Russia's Deputy PM Y. Borisov also expressed confidence that if ever the integrity and unity of India was called into question, all his efforts would be to support India as much as possible. At the same time, regarding the current situation, India is a peaceful country, he said.

At a time when tensions are running high between India and China, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived to join Russia's Victory Day parade. Because of this, it is hoped that India will get a number of important weapons, including the S-400 anti-missile system. Apart from this, India is to take a number of arms from Russia, some of which have been ordered and some have already been paid.

Delivery of all these weapons was supposed to take place by December next year but now it has been agreed that the time will be reduced. It has happened many times before that Russia handed over arms immediately when India needed them. Leaders from all over the world are also present at the event which Rajnath Singh has arrived to participate in. Several senior officials, including the Chinese defense minister, are present but the Indian minister will not be visiting them this time. Although both ministers will be involved in the Victory Day parade but no bilateral visit will take place.

Apart from that, India had a lot to say in the discussion between the foreign ministers of India, China and Russia on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said without any fear that a country which considers itself big now needs to abide by international norms.