[lbo-talk] India's Deal with Russia on transport aircraft

[uvj at vsnl.com]

The Hindu
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2007

Front Page

Deal with Russia on transport aircraft
http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/25/stories/2007012506971200.htm

Special Correspondent

Another agreement on aero engines was also signed

India has indicated its final choice on fighter aircraft: Ivanov
We have moved beyond buyer-seller relationship: Antony

NEW DELHI: India and Russia on Wednesday signed a protocol of intent for 
production of a medium-sized, multi-role transport aircraft, a day before 
President Vladimir Putin arrives on a two-day visit.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov
signed the protocol of intent as well as the minutes of the sixth meeting of
the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission for Military-Technical
Cooperation.

Another inter-governmental agreement and contract for licensed production of
the RD-33 aero-engines were also signed.

At a joint press conference, Mr. Ivanov said New Delhi had indicated its
"final choice'' on the joint production of a fifth generation fighter
aircraft.

"Now, India has informed us that a final choice has been made... we can
[now] open up contractual work for Indian accession to the project,'' he
said, adding that the possibility of India purchasing MiG-35 fighter
aircraft was also discussed.

India is in the market for purchasing 125 multi-role combat aircraft.
Mr. Antony said India and Russia have moved beyond a buyer-seller
relationship to joint research and development and production projects. He
cited the BrahMos cruise missile project in this case. Mr. Putin, soon after
arrival, will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the two are scheduled
to hold a press interaction at the Hyderabad House.

After this, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will call
on the Russian leader.

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