Putin's India visit: Of T-90 tanks, frigates & SU-30 jets

India and Russia are likely to sign a number of major agreements on defence cooperation, including the purchase of advanced version of T-90 tanks, stealth frigates and Sukhoi-30 jets, during the forthcoming visit to India by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two countries are also likely to ink a deal for a joint venture to build a multi-role transport aircraft and further discuss Moscow's offer to New Delhi to invest in the joint development of a fifth generation fighter, official sources said.
Decks will be cleared for these deals at the forthcoming meeting of the inter-governmental commission on military technical cooperation scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 24. The meeting will be co-chaired by Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov and his Indian counterpart A K Antony.

The Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared a deal to purchase an additional 30 to 40 Su-30MKI jets as an emergency step to offset the falling squadron strength of the IAF. It has also before it proposals to purchase 300 more T-90 tanks with advanced fire control and night vision systems, the sources said.

Heading a 40-strong high-level delegation comprising chief executives of Russian armament, nuclear and space companies and officials, Ivanov would start his five-day visit to Indian in Bangalore. He will visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited complex where Russian fighters like the Su-30 and various variants of MiG jets are assembled.

He will also visit the Indian Space Research Organisation complex and meet its chief G Madhavan Nair.