India, Russia Sign New Defence Deals

(New Delhi) – Russia and India have signed new defence deals worth $2.9bn (£1.8bn) during President Vladimir Putin’s day-long trip to India. Under the accords, India will buy 42 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and 71 Mil Mi-17 helicopters.
During his visit, Putin also held talks with Indian PM Manmohan Singh and both the leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them. The security situation of the region, including Afghanistan was also discussed along with topics of mutual interest.
Ahead of the visit, Putin said that he wanted to increase bilateral trade to $20bn by 2015. Trade between Russia and India is currently worth about $10bn (£6bn) a year, but has been growing more slowly recently.