Full coverage: Xi Visits Cambodia, Bangladesh, Attends BRICS summit

India and Russia have signed a series of defense and energy pacts, after both heads of states met before the BRICS summit.

The pacts include the joint production of light military helicopters and frigates. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the deals will lay foundations for deeper bilateral defense and economic ties. Energy agreements were also signed to meet India's growing thirst for fuel and electricity.

Trade has slipped between the former two Cold-War allies since 2014, as Modi cultivates closer diplomatic ties with Washington. These pacts are also seen as an effort by Russian President Vladimir Putin to help revive Russia's recession-hit economy.