India is the biggest buyer of Russian armaments in the world with Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government buying weapons worth $13 billion during the past five years, Russian state media reported, adding that New Delhi has placed orders worth another $10 billion with Moscow for more arms and military equipment.

According to Russian state media agencies, India accounts for around 20 percent of Russia’s current arms orders.

Dmitry Shugayev, chief of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, India, China and some Southeast Asian countries have maintained their interest in buying Russian arms, despite mounting pressure from western nations over Russia’s Ukraine campaign.

India has neither condemned nor condoned Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. PM Modi has called for dialogue and diplomacy to solve the conflict, even as scores of Western countries have imposed sanctions on Moscow, including on arms, in response to the Ukraine campaign.

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In a statement to state-owned Interfax agency, Shugayev said that despite the unprecedented pressure on India from Western countries led by the United States in connection with Russia’s “special operation” in Ukraine, it continues to be one of Russia’s main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation.

Shugayev added that Asian nations are particularly interested in Russia’s S-400 Triumf missile defence systems, short-range surface-to-air missiles systems such as the Osa, Pechora or Strela, as well as Su-30 warplanes, MiG-29 helicopters and drones

The Interfax reported that annual arms exports were about $14-15 billion, and the order book has remained steady at around $50 billion.

According to Russian state news agency, TASS, Moscow will present about 200 samples of weapons and military equipment at the 14th international aerospace exhibition Aero India 2023, which opens today in Bengaluru.

India is scouting for billions of dollars worth of military planes, completing jetliner deals to meet civilian demand and pressing global aircraft manufacturers to produce more locally at the Aero India 2023 show this week.

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When the world is criticizing Russia for the military operation in Ukraine, the former said it expects support from India at the UN Security Council.

India has a comprehensive knowledge of the factors that led to the current situation in Ukraine, and Moscow is seeking continuing support from New Delhi in line with the two countries’ special and privileged strategic alliance, said Russia’s Charge d’affaires Roman Babushkin.

Recently, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, China, Australia, Canada, and the European Union have put economic sanctions on Russia. The sanction means actions taken by a country or organization against the economy of another country, such as refusing to trade with it.

Russian diplomat Roman Babushkin also said India’s position has been very balanced and independent. We appreciate it and we continue to expect India’s support in sync with the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.

When questioned about India’s view on the proposed UN Security Council resolution on the Ukraine crisis at a press conference on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India has seen it and that New Delhi’s stance will be determined by the final shape of the text.

Boshkan said Russia has been in constant touch with India over the latest developments relating to Ukraine and it has a proper understanding of the overall situation.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has urged countries to lend support to them. Ukraine MP Sophia Fedyna also sought medical and political help from India.

PM Modi on Thursday also had a telephonic call with Russian counterpart Putin in which he appealed for an immediate cessation of violence. He appealed for ending violence and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic dialogue.

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