India, Russia to Hold HIgh-Level Talks to Boost Mily Coop

New Delhi, Jan 19 (UNI) India and Russia are to deliberate on further boosting their defence ties when the two sides meet here next week for the Sixth Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC).

The Commission is to deliberate upon important areas like interaction between the two Armed Forces, Military Technical Cooperation, Supply of Defence Systems, Equipment upgradation, Licensed and Joint Production and Joint Development and Production.

The three Services of Indian Armed Forces use various equipment of Russian origin like the MiG and Sukhoi aircraft in the Indian Air Force, submarines and Marine Stealth Frigates in the Indian Navy, and ammunition and tanks in the Indian Army.

India and Russia share a time-tested Defence and Strategic Relationship. In continuity of this relationship -- and with a view to further consolidate the relationship, IRIGC-MTC was established in 2000.

In this connection, Russian Deputy Prime Minister -- and Defence Minister -- SB Ivanov, who will be co-chairing the Commission meeting with Defence Minister AK Antony, will arrive here on January 22 on a five-day visit.

In the first leg of his visit, Mr Ivanov will arrive on January 22 in Bangalore where he will visit various defence establishments, including the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and hold meetings with Captains of Civil and Defence industries. He would also be interacting with IT professionals.

Mr Ivanov will subsequently join the delegation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations this year.

UNI