With the changing world equation, the dynamics of India-Russia and Russia-Pakistan are showing perceptible change. The Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov postponed his scheduled visit to New Delhi ostensibly because he was called by the Russian President Vladimir Putin for an urgent function. However, the most likely reason is seen as the visit of Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who will be in Moscow on October 5. Because of this the visit of the Russian defence minister to India has been rescheduled to October 10.
As India has decided to not put all its apples in one basket and has started exploring more foreign vendors besides Russia, Moscow is also exploring other market options.
While in Moscow there are many things high on the agenda of General Kayani. He will be seeking the Kremlin’s approval for three crucial projects: creation of an engine overhaul facility in Kamra for the 84.4kN-thrust Klimov RD-93, whuch powers the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) JF-17 ‘Thunder’ Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA), another overhaul workshop for the 12 RD & PE Zvezda JSC-built UPAZ-1 aerial refuelling pods in service with the Pakistan Air Force's four IL-78MKP Multi-role transport aircraft, continued product-support for the four IL-78MKPs; and most importantly, the export approval for 132kN-thrust AL-31FN turbofans required for powering the initial 40 FC-20 (36-single-seat and four tandem-seat) Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft that the PAF wants to procure from China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp (which is also producing the JF-17).
Here is the statement issued by the Indian Defence Ministry-
"The meeting of the India-Russia Inter-governmental
Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) which was to be held
tomorrow has been deferred due to the inability of the Russian Co-Chair of the
Commission and the Defence Minister Mr. Serdyukov to travel to India as
scheduled. It has been conveyed by the Russian side that the Russian
Defence Minister was required to stay in Russia for his urgent participation in
a programme of the Russian President.
The IRIGC-MTC meeting will now be held on 10th October,
which is an annual meeting at the level of Defence Ministers of the two countries."
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