Article Posted on : - Dec 28, 2010

India has always received unmatched assistance and consultation from Russia in defence, space and atomic energy sectors. On March 2010, both the countries inked 19 pacts on defence, nuclear energy and space cooperation.

And, during the recent visit of Dmitry Medvedev to India, on December 2010, India and Russia inked 30 pacts in several key areas such as civil nuclear cooperation and defence, including development of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) to augment country's military capabilities.

Both the countries also signed an agreement to share high precision signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). The agreement envisages Russia providing access to the GLONASS High Precision Navigation signals to India.

In terms of defence cooperation, BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile is a name to reckon with admiration. BrahMos is a brilliant example of Indo-Russian Joint Venture. Keeping the success of BrahMos JV in mind, India should dive in for more such joint ventures in space & technology also, especially, for the lunar and future Mars missions.

Finally, these recent developments in the space arena signify a new milestone in the history of cooperation between the two nations.