Relations with Russia are not on single issue : Antony

Pokharan (Jaisalmer), Dec 8 (UNI) Relations with Russia are very important for India and do not depend on one contract or a single event, Defence minister A K Antony said after witnessing live demonstration of Indian Air Force's ability to deliver the lethal punch at Pokharan near Jaisalmer today.

''We have been developing relations with the US as the situation has completely changed. However, one should not have such feelings that we are developing them at the cost of our strong relations with Russia,'' Mr Antony said briefing mediapersons here.

This statement of the Defence Minister has come after the outburst of Naval chief Sureesh Mehta against Russia, in which he has accused the country of violating terms of defence contract.

On the issue of relations with major countries, he said, ''We will continue our old relations but as per requirements of our country's security and friends. We have to establish the same with other major powers like the US, France, Britain, Germany and Israel, too.'' Asked about the special package for the defence personnel in the Sixth Pay Commission, he said the government would consider sympathetically the demands of the defence forces.

The Defence Minister also assured the Air force that the Centre will seriously consider raising strength of the force.

UNI