Russia to deliver Gorshkov as per India's requirements

NEW DELHI: Russia on Saturday said the price and time of delivery of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov will depend on India's requirement for the warship.

"It depends upon the conclusion of the group which decides now about the requirements or limits of requirements of India to decide upon the time and price," Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Trubnikov told reporters here.

After a year-long war of words, India has decided to re-negotiate with Russia its USD 1.5 billion deal for Gorshkov that is to be inducted into the Navy as INS Vikramaditya.

In a boost to their defence relationships, India and Russia yesterday signed a contract for supply of 80 MI-17V-5 medium lift helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the visit of Russian President.

On the nuclear cooperation with India, he said apart from Koodankulam plant Russia expects to participate "ten new stages of new plants in new places".

Asked about uranium supply to India, he said "If we provide fuel to Tarapur plant, then you decide what will happen to others."

On location of the proposed nuclear plants, he said Russian preference could be "in eastern part of India, Orissa or may be somewhere in down south."

India and Russia yesterday signed an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh describing it as a "new milestone" in bilateral relations.