India likely to ink $600 mn Kamov chopper deal with Russia

New Delhi, Dec 24: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Russian capital for summit-level talks on Wednesday, a $600 million deal with Moscow for the purchase of Kamov helicopters is on the cards, with a large "Make in India" component, sources here said.

"This project will be implemented under the inter-governmental pact between India and Russia," a source said.

"Out of 200 Kamovs, some 60 will be made in Russia and the remaining will be assembled and manufactured in India under the public private partnership mode."

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is the lead for the Indian side.

Recently, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had visited Moscow and the Kamov project was among the items on his agenda for discussions with the Russian side. Ahead of the visit, the minister had specifically mentioned the Kamov project.

"For example, the project for joint production of Kamov Ka-226 helicopter -- I hope to use my visit to have it inked on paper when the prime minister arrives. Also the purchase of S-400 missile systems. We anticipate these projects to be coordinated by next month," he had said.

IANS