NEW DELHI: India embarked on Thursday on a tricky diplomatic manoeuvre by showering diplomatic confetti on Russian President Vladimir Putin while pondering the promised fanfare with which to welcome US President Barack Obama a few weeks from now.

Making it trickier was the presence in Delhi of the controversial prime minister of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov who apparently “accompanied” Mr Putin’s delegation for the 22-hour trip.

Crimea had in March this year acceded to the Russian Federation from Ukraine, a move that led to sanctions against both by Western countries.

Mr Aksyonov, who signed some pacts in separate meetings with Indian businessmen, chose not to be flustered by the bid to isolate his country. “The sanctions only mobilised Russian economy and Russian potential including Crimea potential,” Press Trust of India quoted him as saying.

India, Russia sign defence, nuclear energy deals

“Now Special Economic Zone will start working in Crimea and will be very advantageous for business. So many of them who wanted to humiliate Russia or press it but all of them failed.”

If there was still doubt about the bonding that Russia and India are enjoying despite the softly expressed reservations of the West, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fulsome praise for Mr Putin set the record straight.

“We have a friendship of unmatched mutual confidence, trust and goodwill. We have a strategic partnership that is incomparable in content,” Mr Modi said in the company of Mr Putin as they faced the media after their talks.

“The steadfast support of the people of Russia for India has been there even in difficult moments in our history. It has been a pillar of strength for India’s development, security and international relations.

“India too has always stood with Russia through its own challenges. The character of global politics and international relations is changing, however, the importance of this relationship and its unique place in India’s foreign policy will not change.

“In many ways its significance to both countries will grow further in the future. Russia has been India’s foremost defence partner through decades,” Mr Modi said.

Agreements were signed, which reflected serious intent, including billions of dollars of deals in nuclear power, oil and defence.

Russian exports of diamonds will be enhanced. Russia’s state-owned Rosatom will build 12 nuclear reactors in India. Oil major Rosneft signed a 10-year crude supply deal with Essar Oil and India agreed to assemble 400 Russian multi-role helicopters a year.

With the Ka-226T two-engine helicopter, Mr Modi hopes to upgrade a military that relies on outdated Soviet equipment and build India’s defence production capacity.

“Even if India’s options have increased, Russia remains our most important defence partner,” Mr Modi told reporters after the first formal summit between the leaders since he won election in May.

“We highly appreciate the friendship, trust and mutual understanding with Indian partners,” said Mr Putin, who chiefly touched on bilateral issues in his statement to journalists.

Mr Obama is due to visit New Delhi as the chief guest at India’s republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Reuters adds: The two leaders presided over the signing of a “vision” document setting out a roadmap for cooperation in the sphere of nuclear power.

Indian officials said a total of six reactors would be built at Kudankulam. A further six would follow at a site to be finalised later.

On defence, the two sides will seek to move ahead with long-delayed projects to develop a joint fifth-generation fighter jet and a multi-role transport aircraft, in addition to the chopper deal.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2014