India says confident that Gorshkov modernisation on schedule

Moscow, Aug 13 (UNI) Terming the Admiral Gorshkov deal a ''flashy project'' for Indo-Russian defence cooperation, Indian Ambassador to Moscow Kanwal Sibal today exuded confidence that the modernisation of the aircraft carrier for delivery would be completed on schedule.

Pointing out that they had their own monitoring team at Sevmash (the largest shipbuilding complex in Russia where the modernisation is being undertaken), he said that ''officially, the Russian government has told us in writing that the project will be completed on schedule.'' ''The modernisation of Admiral Gorshkov, renamed Vikramaditya by the Indian Navy, is a 'flashy project' for Russian-Indian defence cooperation and both states are concerned about its timely realisation,'' the Ambassador noted, addressing a press conference at RIA Novosti on the eve of the 60th anniversary of India's independence.

''This is a high-visibly project and the Russian success in completing it on schedule would have a powerful impact on the public opinion in India and also demonstrate to the international community Russia's capability in the sector. Therefore both countries have very big stakes in the timely accomplishment of the project,'' he noted.

However, Mr Sibal said that if the situation were to change, then ''we will naturally hear it officially from the Russian government.'' Initially, the upgradation of the Soviet-era aircraft carrier sold to India in January, 2004 was expected to be accomplished in 2008, but reports had said it could be delayed.

Terming the ''strong, stable and steady relationship'' with Russia as the ''one distinctive thread'' in India's foreign policy in the last few decades, Mr Sibal noted that in the post-Second World War period, no two large countries with ''such distinctive political and economic personalities, and with different backgrounds, have maintained such unbroken friendship.'' Stressing the time-tested friendship based on mutual trust, he said first the Soviet Union and then Russia played a ''decisive role' in building India's defence capabilities.

''Today a rejuvenated India and a resurgent Russia have a strategic partnership,'' he said.

Answering a question on Russian participation in India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, Mr Sibal said if Gazprom became involved in the project, it would guarantee extra security to the pipeline.

However, he pointed out that differences over price and transit fees had yet to be resolved.

UNI