India, Russia ink defence deal

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (R) talks to Russian President Vladimir Putinin at the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday. New Delhi and Moscow signed a key agreement on protection of intellectual property rights that will regulate joint defence work.. PHOTO: AFP

"We have a very special relationship when it comes to matters related to defence," Singh said at the start of a meeting with Putin in the Kremlin, referring to a "strategic partnership" between the two countries.

"We know, mister prime minister, that we have questions that we must discuss with you -- the development of our trade and economic relations. Here we have much to do," Putin said.

A key agreement signed in the presence of the two leaders Tuesday will protect intellectual property rights for Russian technology used in joint arms building projects.

The Kommersant daily said the agreement "on the defence of intellectual property rights prevents either side from using technologies received from the other without special permission."

Russian officials pushed for the deal as the two countries build on strong Soviet-era ties, expanding joint defence construction projects and Indian arms building that foresees the use of Russian technology.

The projects include an Indian plan to build the country's first nuclear submarine, joint construction of a multi-purpose transport plane and plans for joint work on a fifth generation fighter jet, Kommersant said.

Russia is planning to lease two Shchuka-B nuclear submarines to the Indian navy and some 200 Indian naval officers are already training at a Russian naval base near Saint Petersburg as New Delhi prepares to build up its own nuclear submarine fleet, Kommersant said.