Indo-Russian defence cooperation has always been an important area in friendly ties between the two countries. The second meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation was held in New Delhi from February 6 to 8 last. The Indian delegation was headed by Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes and the Russian side by Mr I I Klebanov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The talks were held in an atmosphere of mutual cordiality reflecting the time-tested close relationship between India and Russia.

After a number of discussions at various levels, three protocols and one contract were signed by India and Russia. The main protocol of the Inter-Governmental Commission was signed by Mr George Fernandes and Mr I I Klebanov. The protocol of the Working Group on Military Technical Cooperation was signed by Defence Secretary, Mr Yogendra Narain and Mr AV Denisov, first Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Committee for Military Technical Cooperation with foreign states. The protocol of the Working Group on Shipbuilding, Aviation and Land Systems was signed by Mr Subir Dutta, Secretary, Defence Production & Supplies and Mr VF Mozgalev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation. A contract by Ministry of Defence, Government of India and M/s KBP Tula, Russia was also signed between Mr Arvind Joshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Mr SI Averin from Russian side. This contract is related to the acquisition by India of Krasnopol Terminally Guided Projectiles.

At the closing session of the commission meeting, Mr George Fernandes expressed his satisfaction that with the current agreements relating to joint cooperation for developing a 5th generation combat aircraft and the development and production of a multi-role transport aircraft, the military relationship between Russia and India has matured from a buyer-seller relationship to transfer of technology and now to that of collaboration in research and development of military equipment. Mr Fernandes also appreciated the technological cooperation which had taken place between the two countries for the joint development of the BrahMos missile. The protocol which has been signed between the two countries will further expedite the ongoing negotiations for acquisition by India of the Gorshkov aircraft carrier and lease of the TU-22M3E aircraft.

Of late, a large number of acquisitions from the Russian Federation have been under consideration. These include the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, Amur submarines, SMERCH multi-barrel rocket launcher and AWACS, MI-17 helicopters etc. The procurement of spares of the Russian and Soviet origin equipment with the Indian Armed Forces also appeared in discussions. Co-design development and production of a 100 seater multi-role transport aircraft and development of a 5th generation combat aircraft were also discussed.

Earlier, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr I I Klebanov and the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes had an hour-long meeting and discussed matters of mutual interest, defence co-operation and issues of strategic relationship between the two countries.