Indo-Russian Defence ties bound to grow manifold: Antony

New Delhi, Sep 30 (UNI) Describing the outcome of the 8th Meeting of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military technical cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) as 'a landmark event in the close and strategic bilateral relations between India and Russia', Defence Minister A K Antony has said joint cooperation between the two countries would lead to global peace.

Speaking at a banquet hosted by him in honour of the visiting Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov here last night, Mr Antony said both sides discussed issues relating to regional and global peace and security.

''This is an important event not only between the Defence Ministries of the two countries but also a landmark event in our close and strategic bilateral relations and an important step in maintaining regional and global peace and security,'' he said.

Expressing confidence that defence relations between India and Russia were bound to grow manifold, Mr Antony called for evolving a holistic defence partnership.

''Given the warmth of the cordiality and complete understanding between the leadership of both our countries, I have no doubt that our defence relations are bound to grow manifold. We need to work towards developing a mutually beneficial defence relationship which is holistic in content and scope,'' he added.

Echoing the same sentiments Mr Serdyukov, who has now returned to Moscow, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of talks at the Meeting of the IRIGC-MTC.

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