India-Russia Arms Deals

The Indian government is working a deal for the Russians to supply more than two dozen MIG-29 fighter aircraft to the Indian Navy for $1.2 billion.

The proposed deal comes after the two countries agreed on a 10-year military pact in December to cover weapons development, aircraft and maintenance contracts worth more than $5 billion.

The agreement was signed during a trip to Russia by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reflecting the former Cold War allies' desire to maintain a close defence relationship.

"The deal will be finalised during a visit by a high-level Russian defence team later this week," Sitanshu Kar, a defence ministry spokesman, said in New Delhi.

In another deal, Russia is leasing a new Nerpa-class nuclear powered submarine to the Indian Navy. Delivery is promised sometime this year.