India, Russia to sign over $2 billion defense deal

By: Fayyaz Khoja

NEW DELHI, India: New Delhi and Moscow are expected to clinch a deal for purchase of 45,000 tonne jet carrier Admiral Gorshkov during Russian Defense Minister’s visit here.

Sources said the over $2 billion deal covering the complete refitting of the carrier, sale of 28 Mig-29k fighters and 6 Kamov 31 anti-submarine helicopters would be signed during Ivanov's four day visit beginning from January 19.

The two sides would also take up the issue of erratic delivery of spares for Russian frontline armament system used by Indian armed forces plus contractual disputes cropping up on the Sukhoi-30 fighter sales to India.

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