Russian Defence Minister to visit India to negotiate deals

New Delhi, Sept 26 (PTI) In an effort to further military
relations with India, Russian Defence Minister Anatoly
Serdyukov will be here on a three-day visit to attend an
inter-governmental commission of the two countries and to
negotiate key deals with New Delhi.

Among the issues Serdyukov will discuss with his
Indian counterpart, A.K. Antony, are the renewed price
negotiations for the U.S.D. 1.5 billion Admiral Gorshkov
aircraft carrier, plans for developing a joint fifth
generation fighter aircraft and medium transport aircraft, and
T-90 tanks technology transfer, Defence Ministry sources said
on Friday.

He is likely to resolve the price issue of Gorshkov,
which is currently undergoing a refit at the Sevmash Shipyard
in Russia, during his talks with Antony. Russians have been
demanding an additional U.S.D. 1.2 billion for the refit of
the aircraft carrier.

Asked about the negotiations on Wednesday, Antony had
said the details of the negotiations would be known after the
meeting with his Russian counterpart.

Serdyukov will arrive at the Palam technical area by a
special flight at 18.10 hours on Sunday. After lay a wreath
at the Amar Jawan Jyothi at India Gate on Monday morning, he
would be presented a Guard of Honour at South Block by the
Indian armed forces.

After a half-hour-long meeting with Antony at his office,
the Russian Defence Minister will co-chair the India-Russia
Inter-Governmental Commission for Military and Technical
Commission, an unique arrangement that New Delhi has only with
Moscow, along with the former at D.R.D.O. Bhawan Auditorium,
sources said.

During the hour-long meeting, the two countries would
sign military protocols on issues of mutual interest and
negotiate the important defence agreements.

Antony and Serdyukov will address a joint press
conference at the same venue at 12.30 hours before the latter
visits the office of BrahMos Aerospace -- an Indo-Russian
joint venture for development of advanced cruise missiles --
on Carriappa Marg in Delhi Cantonment.

The Indian Defence Minister will host an official
dinner in honour of Serdyukov at the Army Battle Honours Mess
that evening.

On Tuesday, Serdyukov will visit Agra to take a round
of the 50 Para Brigade of the Indian Army and will witness
live demonstration by Army paratroopers.

The Russian delegation will go to Agra to see the Taj
Mahal before returning to Delhi and thus complete its official
visit to India.