Russian deputy minister, Indian diplomat discuss boosting bilateral defense cooperation

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin and Indian Ambassador to Moscow Vinay Kumar on Tuesday discussed strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

The duo discussed current issues of bilateral defense cooperation in depth and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening specialized collaboration in the spirit of a specially privileged strategic partnership, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"The meeting took place in the traditionally warm and friendly atmosphere characteristic of Russian-Indian relations," the statement said.

The meeting took place just days after US President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on India, accusing New Delhi of profiting from the resale of Russian oil.