In a joint statement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia, it was stated that both countries have agreed to work towards the production of parts, repair, and maintenance of Russian-origin weapons.
After meeting India's needs through joint production of Russian technology-based weapons, preparations are underway to export them as well.
Sources told Sputnik India that preparations are underway for such joint ventures to build aircraft and ships. Talks are ongoing to start the construction of Russian-origin fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plant located in Nashik, Maharashtra.
This plant, which was started with Russian cooperation in 1964, has been involved in the production and maintenance of MiG-21 and subsequently Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. The construction of the Sukhoi-30 fighter jet could begin at this plant.
Currently, the Indian Air Force has the highest number of Sukhoi-30 jets. An agreement between India and Russia involved the deal for 272 Sukhoi-30 jets, a significant number of which were produced at this plant.
Former BrahMos chief Sudhir Kumar Mishra told Sputnik India, "The Sukhoi-30 is a modern fighter jet that can be used for the next two to three decades. Therefore, producing it domestically can meet not only domestic needs but also export demands."
According to sources, this plant can also be used in the future for the repair and maintenance of aircraft from countries that possess Russian-origin aircraft. With the boost in the Make in India initiative, India and Russia are now preparing to work on this model.
After technology transfer, there is a demand for jointly produced products made in India in many countries around the world. There are prospects for exporting such joint defense products, especially to countries in the Far East like Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as to several countries in Africa and South America. Many countries have shown interest in joint India-Russia products besides BrahMos, including various other Make in India defense products.
Sudhir Kumar Mishra said, "This model can be a very successful business model. In the process of first making sub-systems and then the entire system, the Indian defense industry will benefit. Russia and India have been working together for a long time, so good results will come in a short time. This model will help in the Make in India initiative."