Overcoming last minute glitches, India and Russia will now sign the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier deal when Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov arrives in New Delhi for a two-day visit on January 19.While the price negotiation committees of both countries had completed their negotiations, the Russians’ demand for a ‘‘growth-of-work’’ clause into the contract held up the deal. The glitch was worked out amicably by Defence Secretary Ajay Prasad when he met visiting Russian officials last month.The 44,000-tonne carrier deal, which includes 28 MiG-29 K ship-based fighters and six Kamov helicopters designed for anti-submarine warfare, is expected to be in the region of $ 1.6 billion, sources said. Detailed contracts have been worked out for refitting the carrier which will be a major addition to India’s capabilities. While the Gorshkov will replace the ageing INS Viraat which will be decommissioned by 2010, the indigenously-built Air Defence Ship is also expected to be commissioned by 2015. The present contract covers the refitting as well as the after-sales supply of spares for the carrier. Besides the deal, India is also expected to make a strong case for the regular supply for its MiG fleet of aircraft. According to Defence Ministry officials, the IAF has been worried at the irregular supply of spares as well as problems with the front-line SU-30 jets.
