M A I N   N E W S

India, Russia sign defence deals

MOSCOW, June 29 (UNI) —Defence Minister George Fernandes today capped his three-day visit to Russia by signing a number of agreements on Indo-Russian defence cooperation with his counterpart Marshal Igor Sergeev.

The agreements largely dealt with the supply of warships, submarines, anti-tank missiles, T-30c tanks and production of Su-30mki Aircraft in India under license.

Exchange of military delegations, study by Indian and Russian ex-serviceman at each other academies, and joint naval exercises were also covered by the agreements.

New Delhi and Moscow will hold uninterrupted talks to finalise within two-three weeks the details of the deal for the sale of T-90s tanks to India, Russia’s Czar of the Industrial-Military Complex and Deputy Premier Ilya Klebanov said.

Mr Fernandes later inspected the progress in work on ships and submarines which are being built for the Indian Navy at St Petersburg. During his three-day stay, Mr Fernandes also visited Russia’s most sensitive air force establishment, Gromov test flying institute, near Moscow.

Mr Fernandes and Russian leaders reiterated their resolve to keep their relations at a ‘high level’ and shared views on their common concerns arising out of terrorism and threat perceptions regarding international security.

Both the Defence Ministers expressed satisfaction over the talks.

The scene of the bilateral talks now shifts to New Delhi where Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive on October 2 on a three-day visit.

The focus of talks in Delhi will be on the signing of political documents though technical-military cooperation will also be touched upon.