(Hindu) - The sixth meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) headed by the Defence Ministers of India and Russia will be held here on January 24.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, who will be co-chairing the commission meeting with Defence Minister A.K. Antony, will be on a five-day visit to the country from January 22.
The Commission in its deliberations covers areas like interaction between the armed forces, military technical cooperation, supply of defence systems, equipment upgradation, licensed and joint production and joint development and production, reports Trend.
The three services of the Indian armed forces use equipment of Russian origin such as MiG and Sukhoi aircraft, tanks, submarines, marine stealth frigates, ammunition and tanks. It is estimated that about 70 per cent of the equipment is of Russian/Soviet origin. India and Russia share a time-tested Defence and Strategic Relationship.
To further it the IRIGC-MTC was established in 2000. Mr. Ivanov will arrive in Bangalore on January 22 and visit defence establishments including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and meet captains of civil and defence industries. He will also interact with IT professionals. Mr. Ivanov will join the delegation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations this year.