India, Russia to hold joint exercise in Sept- RIA

MOSCOW, Jan 28 (Reuters) Russia is expected to host a joint military exercise with India in northwestern Pskov region in September, RIA news agency quoted paratroop commander Colonel-General Alexander Kolmakov as saying today.

Close ties between the Russian and Indian military are part of a ''strategic partnership'' between Moscow and New Delhi, which has replaced the Cold War alliance of the two nations.

India is one of two top buyers of Russian arms. Together with China it accounts for most of Russia's annual arms sales of around 6 billion dollar.

Kolmakov's remarks followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India last week. New arms sales were high on the agenda of Putin's talks with the Indian leaders.

Reuters SP DB2200