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India and Russia sign energy, defense deals worth billions

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Last Updated on: October 24, 2022

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during exchange of agreements event after India-Russia Annual Summit in Benaulim, in the western state of GoaWritten by: Reuters

India and Russia signed billions of dollars of defense and energy deals on Saturday at a summit that sought to inject new life into a relationship that has been tested by shifting global alliances and conflict in the Middle East.

Under the biggest agreement, a group led by Russian state oil major Rosneft (ROSN.MM) said it would pay $12.9 billion for a controlling stake in both India’s Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns.

The countries, which had strong ties during the Cold War, announced plans for a joint venture to build helicopters in India. New Delhi said it would also buy surface-to-air missile systems and stealth frigates from Moscow.

“Ours is a truly unique and privileged relationship,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the western seaside state of Goa.

Modi said that his views were aligned with Putin’s on the unstable situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, where Moscow is at odds with the West in the five-year-old civil war in Syria that has killed hundreds of thousands.

“We are conducting a comprehensive dialog on a wide scale of international issues, in which Indian and Russian approaches are close to each other or coincide,” said Putin.

Modi also praised Putin’s support for the fight against international terrorism, which India accuses its neighbor and rival Pakistan of sponsoring. “Russia’s clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own,” Modi said.

MULTIPLE DEALS

The Rosneft-Essar deal will be the biggest foreign takeover in India, and Russia’s largest outbound deal, according to Thomson Reuters data.

It comes as Russia moves to reassert its role in global affairs and at a time when its own economy is stagnant, hit by Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Under the deal, a group led by Rosneft will acquire 98 percent of Essar Oil, and with it a 400,000 barrels-per-day refinery and port at Vadinar for $12.9 billion, the two sides said.

Russian state bank VTB (VTBR.MM) said it would refinance $3.9 billion owed by the Essar Group. Rosneft would pay $3.5 billion and its partners, oil trader Trafigura and investment fund UCP the same amount for an equal joint stake.

The refinery deal follows a string of upstream investments in Russia by Indian companies in recent months that, Modi said, were worth $5.5 billion.

Also on display was Russia’s nuclear prowess, with the second reactor of the Russian-built Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu hooked up to the grid and concrete being poured in a ceremony carried by a TV linkup to mark the start of work on the third and fourth reactors there.

Putin said that Russia would be able to build a dozen nuclear reactors in India over the next 20 years to back Modi’s growth strategy for Asia’s third-largest economy, which continues to suffer chronic power shortages.

HELICOPTERS, MISSILES, SHIPS

The defense pacts will also deepen military ties between the two countries that dates back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India’s top arms supplier.

Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov 226t helicopters required by the country’s defense forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be the local partner of Russian Helicopters and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles would strengthen India’s defenses along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. Also agreed were plans to build and supply stealth frigates for the Indian navy.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of space and military industries, said two frigates could be built in India and two in Russia, RIA news agency reported. Rogozin said the ships may later be equipped with missiles manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace, a venture co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments.

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Afghans will never accept Durand Line fencing, says Borders Minister

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Noorullah Noori, Afghanistan’s Minister of Borders, Ethnic Affairs and Tribes, says the barbed-wire fencing along the disputed Durand Line is viewed by Afghans as a wire placed on the chest of the nation, stressing that Afghans will never accept a foreign barrier imposed on their land.

Noori made the remarks during a meeting with a number of political analysts, tribal elders and university professors at his office, where he emphasized that Afghanistan does not recognize an official border with Pakistan and that this position has been clearly communicated on multiple occasions.

Speaking at the gathering, the minister said the current governing system has emerged from among the people and that public cooperation and support have played a key role in reaching this stage.

He added that the system belongs to all Afghans and that all citizens of the country are treated equally. According to him, since the Islamic Emirate came to power, thousands of tribal and local disputes across the country have been resolved, and serious measures have been taken to safeguard the country’s borders.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Ali Jan Ahmad, Deputy Minister for Jirgas and Tribal Coordination at the ministry, said one of the most important factors behind the success of any society and political system is intellectual and ideological unity among the people.
He noted that such unity exists among the Afghan nation.

During the meeting, political analysts and tribal elders also emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity with the current system, stating that the people of Afghanistan will stand alongside the country’s security and defense forces to protect the nation and its territorial integrity.

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CSTO claims security risks from Afghanistan remain high

The alert was issued at the 43rd meeting of the Afghanistan working group under the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers.

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The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has warned that security threats originating from Afghanistan remain high, following a review of the situation by officials and regional representatives in Moscow.

The alert was issued at the 43rd meeting of the Afghanistan working group under the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers, held Wednesday at the organization’s secretariat.

Delegations from CSTO member states joined representatives from the U.N. Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, CIS anti-terror bodies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Participants exchanged assessments of Afghanistan’s military, political, and humanitarian situation and discussed its implications for regional stability.

In a statement, the CSTO emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian and economic support for the Afghan population.

Officials also called for sustained monitoring of developments in the country and efforts to promote peaceful processes, aiming to reduce the risk of regional spillover.

The Moscow meeting highlights continuing concern among Central Asian and Russian-led security institutions over potential threats from Afghanistan. The CSTO has repeatedly cautioned that extremist groups could exploit various issues including porous borders, and regional tensions.

Neighboring countries remain wary of cross-border militancy, trafficking, and armed group movements. Regional security organizations have increasingly coordinated assessments, as Afghanistan—while outside formal security frameworks—continues to influence the region.

International organizations also highlight Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian and economic situation. Millions remain reliant on aid, and reduced funding alongside the return of large numbers of Afghans from neighboring countries has intensified existing pressures.

Afghanistan has long been considered a primary external security concern for CSTO members, particularly Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The latest warning underscores that, while no immediate crisis has emerged, Afghanistan remains central to overlapping security and humanitarian challenges.

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IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans edge Delhi Capitals in last-ball thriller

The result adds important points for Gujarat as the competition intensifies, while Delhi will look to bounce back after falling just short in one of the closest matches of the season so far.

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) delivered another dramatic contest on Wednesday, April 8, as Gujarat Titans narrowly defeated Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring encounter in Delhi.

In a match that went down to the final ball, Gujarat held their nerve to secure a thrilling one-run victory. The game featured standout batting performances, including a commanding innings from Delhi’s top order, while Gujarat’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, produced crucial breakthroughs at key moments to seal the win.

The result adds important points for Gujarat as the competition intensifies, while Delhi will look to bounce back after falling just short in one of the closest matches of the season so far.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants.

Kolkata will be aiming to build momentum with a strong all-round performance, while Lucknow will look to capitalise on their balanced squad and secure a key win in the early stages of the tournament. With both teams boasting explosive batting line-ups and quality bowling attacks, fans can expect another competitive and entertaining contest.

Broadcast Information

Cricket fans in Afghanistan can watch all the action live, as Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) holds exclusive rights to broadcast the IPL matches.

Games are being aired nationwide on Ariana Television, bringing the excitement of the tournament directly to viewers at home.

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