Russia remains India's most important defense partner: Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Russia will remain India's "most important" defense partner.

Speaking to the press after his summit with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi said India and Russia agreed to exploit the "unlimited" opportunities in defense cooperation.

Modi praised Russian-made new aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya which he visited soon after becoming prime minister.

"It sails our seas as a great symbol of our defense cooperation. Even as India's options have increased today, Russia will remain our most important defense partner," Modi said.

India and Russia signed Thursday 20 agreements ranging from civil nuclear power, military training, oil explorations and commercial transactions.

Russia also agreed to cooperate with India in producing an advanced military helicopter in the country. Enditem