Russian defence minister begins three-day India visit next week

New Delhi: Russian defence minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, begins a three-day visit to India next week during which he will co-chair an inter-governmental commission of the two countries and also  negotiate key defence deals with New Delhi.

Among the issues that have been seeking resolution for quite some time are the sanction of additional $1.2 billion for the refit programme of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (ex-Adm Gorshkov). Pressing matters also concern the joint development of a fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), a medium transport aircraft, and technology transfer for T-90 tanks.

The INS Vikramaditya is currently undergoing a refit at the Sevmash Shipyard in Russia.

Minister Serdyukov is due to arrive in the country on Sunday evening. He lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyothi at India Gate on Monday morning, after which he will be presented an armed forces Guard of Honour at the South Block.

Here Serdyukov and his Indian counterpart AK Antony meet up for a half-hour before heading for the DRDO Bhawan auditorium where they co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission for Military and Technical Commission.

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

Antony and Serdyukov then address a joint press conference at the venue at 12.30 hours.

On Tuesday, Serdyukov visits Agra where he will be given a live demonstration by paratroopers of the Indian Army's 50 Para Brigade.

The Russian delegation then visits the historic site of the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi.