New Delhi:
India has healthy and successful diplomatic relations with most countries and enjoys lucrative trade practices with nations both big and small.
In the last few years, India has further strengthened its relations with several powerful countries of the world. The newly developed relations are sure to enhance the economy and military power of the country in the coming years and help it to become a prominent voice in global affairs.
Countries with which India shares amicable relations include Russia, Israel, France, United States, and Japan.
The United States - ‘India is a true friend’
The United States has offered to train the Indian Army in modern warfare, at a time when China and India are engaged in a standoff on Doklam issue. US lawmakers have come up openly in support of India.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “India is a True Friend.”
PM Modi’s visit to the US has further strengthened the bond between the two nations. Trump, in a joint conference with PM Modi, asked Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch any terrorist attack in India and other countries.
With the common goal of fighting terrorism, US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India. The two countries have also agreed to share data on maritime traffic to keep a tab on the vast seas and oceans.
Japan - Extends help to achieve nuclear goal
PM Modi’s visit to Japan last year has cemented ties between the two countries. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promised to export sophisticated nuclear technology to India.
India aims to increase its nuclear capacity 10 fold by 2031 and Japan has extended help to achieve the goal.
Japan has also offered its help to provide expert support to India to build six nuclear plants.
Japan is also helping India with the much talked about bullet-train project.
France - Defence collaboration dates back to 1950
Like Russia, France has been a special friend of India during rough times. Trade between the two countries has grown from €5.13 billion in 2006 to €8.5 billion in 2015.
India’s relationship with the country has centred around three crucial areas including nuclear, space, and defence.
With the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France, the ties have only strengthened further. France will be constructing six EPR (nuclear reactors) of 1,600 MW each in India.
Defence collaboration of the two countries dates back to 1950. France was the first country to carry out joint naval exercise after India conducted the 1998 nuclear tests and was under sanctions. India is procuring state-of-the-art Rafale fighter jets from France.
India will be procuring six Scorpene submarines, 51 Mirage-2000s and 490 MICA missile systems from France.
Israel — Support each other on defence matters
India and Israel face the similar problem - terrorism supported by their neighbours. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. During his visit, he had said, “I for I. Which means India for Israel and Israel for India.”
India and Israel have partnered up for: India-Israel Industrial Research and Development and Technical Innovation Fund, Increase cooperation on water conservation, State water utility reform in India, Israeli citizens of Indian origin to get Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), Direct flights between two countries and Sharing of weapons technology.
The two countries will extend support to each other on defence matters, particularly air force and navy. India is to procure Barak 8 air defence system from Israel.
Russia - Jointly developing fifth generation fighter aircraft
India and Russia have a strong strategic diplomatic, military, and economic relationship.
The Indo-Russian partnership has been built on five major elements which include politics, defence, civil nuclear energy, anti-terrorism cooperation, and space.
Politically, India and Russia closely collaborate on matters of shared national interest at the UN, SCO, BRICS and G20.
The two countries are jointly developing and producing fifth generation fighter aircraft and multi-role transport aircraft.
India and Russia have several joint military programmes which include BrahMos cruise missile programme, Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme (230+ to be built by Hindustan Aeronautics in India), and Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft.
India and Russia have signed a deal worth $2.9 billion for 42 Sukhois, 230 Sukhois, 272 Sukhois, and medium-lift Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
Russia will also help India to build 20 nuclear reactors over the next 20 years.
