Russian defence companies keen for deeper involvement in’ Make in India’
21 March, New Delhi
Russian firms have shown keen interest in taking ‘Make in India’ further by involving Indian firms in the process of providing after sales support of Russian origin equipment to the Indian Armed Forces.
According to sources, some of the Indian companies had in depth discussion with Russian companies for tech transfer and manufacturing of some of the parts component in India. The issue was discussed during ‘India-Russia Military Industrial Conference’ that was organized here from March 17 to 18.There was proposal for long term supply agreements, repair, overhaul and manufacturing of some spare parts and components in India.
The aim of the conference, organised by the Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence, was to primarily address issues related to lifecycle support and maintenance of major Russian origin equipment/platforms such as SU-30 MKI aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters, MiG-29K jets, INS Vikramaditya and T-90 tanks.
The conference was attended by more than 100 Russian and over 150 Indian industry representatives. Some other major Russian companies, such as United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), United Engines Corporation (UEC), United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), Russian Helicopters and Ural Vagonzavod made detailed presentations on the possibilities of cooperation and the way forward in this regard.
According to a Defence Ministry release, during the conference, the Department of Defence Production outlined opportunities under ‘Make in India’ and recent initiatives by the Government , facilitating co-development, co-production, license production, Long Term Service Agreement between Indian and Russian companies.
The Russian side presented the framework for interaction between Federal Services for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) and Indian partners in the field of After Sales Support of Russian origin Military equipment.
The conference also had three breakout sessions on Aero System, Land System and Naval System where the Indian side expressed their requirements and the way forward to improve serviceability of Russian origin platforms.