SOURCE: AFI
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine on August 23, 2024, at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit, marking a significant moment in India-Ukraine relations, is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation in various sectors, including defense, economic ties, and science and technology.
A key focus of the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy will be the defense sector, an area of longstanding collaboration between the two nations. Historically, a substantial portion of India’s defense equipment was sourced from the Soviet Union, with much of this equipment being manufactured in what is now Ukraine. Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine remains a crucial partner for India in maintaining and upgrading these defense systems.
One of the most significant aspects of this collaboration is the supply of gas turbine engines for the Indian Navy. These engines, which power a range of Indian warships, are manufactured by Ukraine’s state-owned company Zorya-Mashproekt. As India’s naval capabilities continue to expand, the importance of reliable and high-performance propulsion systems cannot be overstated. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to explore ways to enhance this partnership further.
According to sources from Bloomberg, Zorya-Mashproekt is currently in talks with Indian private sector companies to jointly manufacture gas turbines in India. This potential collaboration could lead to significant technological transfer and bolster India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The joint production of gas turbines would not only ensure a steady supply for the Indian Navy but also contribute to India’s broader “Make in India” initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports by fostering local manufacturing.