BRICS summit: Modi,Putin ink pact for building helicopters in India

The pacts were signed after summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and rime Minister Narendra Modi

Russia President Vladimir Putin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: Twitter/?@PMOIndia)
Russia President Vladimir Putin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: Twitter/?@PMOIndia)
Reuters Panaji
Last Updated : Oct 15 2016 | 2:55 PM IST
India and Russia on Saturday announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India, which will also buy surface-to-air missile systems from its former Cold War ally, as the two tighten their military relationship.

The pacts were signed after summit talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and  Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Goa, where leaders from the BRICS group of emerging nations are meeting.

Military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov helicopters required by the country's defence forces, and is part of Modi's drive to build a defence industrial base in the south Asian nation.

The S-400 surface-to-air missiles are meant to strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said.

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 15 2016 | 2:45 PM IST

Next Story