Video of Russian Duma Head in Indian Parliament | Big Nuclear Deal Possible soon

Summary

In this video, Prashant Dhawan discusses the visit of Russian Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin to India, highlighting its significance in strengthening the India-Russia relationship. He touches upon various key topics, including military deals, nuclear cooperation, and diplomatic relations. Volodin’s influential role as a supporter of Vladimir Putin and his involvement in high-level negotiations are emphasized. The video also explores India's growing interest in Russian small modular reactor technology and potential future collaborations, along with broader geopolitical dynamics involving major global players like the US and Europe. The importance of India's diplomatic strategy and economic opportunities is central to the narrative.

Takeaways

• 😀 Om Birla, Speaker of India's Lok Sabha, and Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of Russia's State Duma, recently met in India to strengthen parliamentary relations between the two nations.
• 😀 Volodin is a close ally of Vladimir Putin, and has been a strong supporter of Russian politics, often acting as Putin's main envoy for urgent matters in Europe and South America.
• 😀 During his visit to India, Volodin emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and discussed future collaborations in various sectors.
• 😀 One of the key topics discussed was the potential purchase of Russian-made Su-57 fighter jets by India, with Russia also pushing for India to avoid purchasing American F-35 jets.
• 😀 Russia offered India technology for small modular reactors (SMRs), which could be used to generate nuclear energy in smaller, more flexible formats. India has shown interest in this technology as part of its nuclear energy development.
• 😀 In the 2025 Union Budget, India announced plans to develop its own SMRs, with a target to operationalize five indigenous reactors by 2033.
• 😀 The Russian government has offered to transfer SMR technology to India, with the potential for a significant partnership in nuclear energy, though questions remain regarding safety and long-term autonomy for India.
• 😀 Russia has also shown interest in collaborating with India on military and defense projects, including selling BrahMos missiles to Indonesia.
• 😀 Volodin's visit highlighted the ongoing strategic relationship between India and Russia, which has historically been strong and is poised to grow further with new agreements and collaborations.
• 😀 Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025, marking a significant development in the two countries' relationship, which could include expanded trade and defense agreements.

Q & A

Who is Vyacheslav Volodin, and why is his visit to India significant?

Vyacheslav Volodin is the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament. His visit to India is significant because he is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the visit is aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Russia, especially in areas like defense, nuclear energy, and parliamentary cooperation.

What was the nature of the official reception for Volodin in India?

Volodin received a grand welcome in the Indian Parliament, where he was invited by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament). The visit also included a discussion on strengthening India-Russia relations and exploring new areas of cooperation.

What was discussed about the AU-57 aircraft deal during Volodin's visit?

During his visit, it was discussed that Russia is pitching the AU-57 fighter aircraft to India, suggesting that India should consider purchasing the Russian-made aircraft instead of the American-made F-35, which has been under consideration by India.

What offer did Russia make to India regarding small modular reactors (SMRs)?

Russia offered India technology for small modular reactors (SMRs), which are advanced nuclear reactors that have a lower power capacity and can be used in smaller areas like towns or mining regions. This offer is part of a larger cooperation in nuclear energy, where Russia has proposed to transfer the SMR technology to India as part of a 20,000 crore INR budget for its development.

What is the potential advantage of small modular reactors (SMRs) for India?

SMRs offer the advantage of being more flexible and transportable compared to larger nuclear reactors. They are ideal for providing energy to smaller regions or specific industries. Their ability to be relocated also makes them suitable for areas with limited infrastructure or energy needs.

What are the possible concerns regarding the technology transfer of SMRs to India?

The concerns regarding SMR technology transfer include the level of control India will have over the technology, safety issues when transporting nuclear reactors, and the potential long-term implications of relying on Russia for such critical technology. Additionally, there may be challenges in scaling up the production of SMRs independently.

What other offers has Russia extended to India as part of their cooperation?

Apart from the SMR technology, Russia has also discussed offering advanced defense systems to India, including the possibility of selling BrahMos missiles to other countries like Indonesia. This is part of a broader defense collaboration between the two nations.

How does Russia view the geopolitical landscape involving India and the West?

Russia sees its relationship with India as strategically significant, especially as Western countries, such as the US and European nations, are seen as potential challengers in the global balance of power. Russia's support for India is partly a response to the growing influence of the West in global politics.

Why is there a focus on Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India in 2025?

Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India in early 2025 is expected to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. This visit will likely focus on cementing agreements in areas like defense, energy, and trade. Preparations for the visit have already started with Volodin’s trip being a part of the groundwork.

How does Russia’s offer for SMR technology compare with similar offers from the US and France?

Russia is not the only country offering SMR technology to India. The US and France have also extended similar offers, and India will have to choose the best offer based on factors like technology transfer freedom, safety standards, and long-term economic benefits. Russia's offer, however, is seen as part of its broader strategy to maintain strong ties with India.