Moscow: India’s Rajnath Singh and Russia’s General Sergei Shoigu met here today when the protocol was signed, an Indian government statement said. However, the details of the protocol were not made public.

Here are the top eight takeaways from the bilateral meeting of the 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation:

• India, Russia decide to set up specific working groups for finalising agreements for after-sales support of military equipment and reciprocal logistic support.

• Two nations working on inter-governmental agreement on manufacturing of military spares, components and aggregates through joint ventures in India. This agreement is expected to reduce cost, timelines of supply, result in progressive indigenisation in India of Russian-origin arms and equipment, and boost ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector.

• Both sides agree to finalize defense cooperation programme for 10-year period 2021-2030.

• Russia is ready to operationlise the Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles manufacturing plant in India at the earliest.

• Russia extends strong support to India on counter-terrorism and accords priority to India’s security interests in the South Asian region.

• Russia to extend all possible support to enhance India’s defense capabilities, including advanced and cutting-edge technology.

• Russia to have robust participation of its industry at the DefExpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India between Feb. 5 and 8, 2020.

• Indian military contingent to join the army parade in Russia to mark the 75th anniversary of victory in the second world war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the celebrations.