India and Russia on Friday discussed the possibilities for the production of space systems in India as part of the ‘Make in India’ programme.

Director General of Russia’s ROSCOSMOS and former Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin held detailed high-level talks with National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on all aspects of the India-Russia space cooperation.

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Senior representatives of ROSCOSMOS, GLAVCOSMOS, Energia and Energomash were present from the Russian side while the Secretary, Space and the Director of the Human Space Flight Programme were present from the Indian side, besides other senior officials.

Both sides agreed to take a strategic approach to elevate bilateral cooperation to the next level keeping in view the special and privileged partnership between the two countries. Cooperation in futuristic technologies, including new space systems, rocket engines, propellants and propulsion systems, spacecraft and launch vehicle technology was also discussed, it is understood.

There have been frequent contacts between the two space agencies to finalise the details of the Gaganyaan Mission, which will carry Indian astronaut to space in 2022, to coincide with India’s 75th anniversary of Independence. Russia has promised all assistance for India’s Human Space Flight Mission Gaganyaan. Details regarding cooperation for the Gaganyaan Mission were also discussed.

In addition, the Russian side stated that it would like to see India participate in the International Space Station and offered its full support for this purpose.