The Indian Defence Minister A. K. Antony and his Russian counterpart, Anatoly Serdyukov, will meet in New Delhi on October 10, at the 12th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC).
The two sides will analyse the India-Russia defence relationship, and discuss the problems in the supply and maintenance of spare parts for Russian equipment in Indian inventory.
India is also expected to voice concerns over the delay in handing over of aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, at this meeting. This warship, rechristened INS Vikramaditya, was originally scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy by December 4. However, due to technical difficulties, this warship will be delivered only in October 2013.
The ministers will also deliberate on the procurement of the 42 Su-30MKI fighters, 197 light utility helicopters, and upgradation of the T-90 tanks.
Following the IR-IGMTC meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India, on November 1, to hold summit-level meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
India and Russia have enjoyed good relations over the past several decades. The Indo-Russian military cooperation especially, has evolved from a simple buyer-seller framework to collaborating in joint-ventures like the manufacturing of the BrahMos Missile. Over 50% of India’s military equipment is of Russian origin. Since the signing of the ‘Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership’ in October 2000, India-Russia ties have become stronger, with enhanced levels of cooperation taking place in areas like security, trade, defence, and science and technology.