Date:16/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/16/stories/2007101654691300.htm

National

Antony to ink protocol during visit to Russia

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: India and Russia are on course to conclude a wide-ranging defence protocol for collaboration in high-tech weapons systems.

The cooperation will encompass collaboration in futuristic air-launched and ground-to-air-missiles, fifth generation fighters, submarines and tightening up of supply of spares for frontline Russian weaponry being used by the Indian armed forces.

The protocol will be inked during the visit of Defence Minister A. K. Antony to Russia, beginning Wednesday, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

Mr. Antony, heading a high-level official delegation that includes Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and senior DRDO and top brass of armed forces, will leave for Moscow on Tuesday.

India is the biggest market for Russian weaponry worldwide, with armament sales touching almost $10 billion a year.

Moscow is keen on retaining the Indian market in the face of growing competition from the U.S., French and Israeli armaments majors.