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By VIVEK RAGHUVANSHI
NEW DELHI — India and Russia have agreed to settle their differences over the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, which the countries are co-producing. But a source in the Indian Defence Ministry said irritants remain following the summit-level talks here Dec. 11.
The issue came up during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the source said, adding that a final agreement will likely emerge in the “near future.” During the summit talks, Putin offered light utility helicopters to be manufactured in India, the MoD official added.
“I am pleased that Russia has offered to fully manufacture in India one of its most advanced helicopters,” Modi said in an official statement. “It includes the possibility of exports from India. It can be used for both military and civilian use. We will follow up on this quickly.”
The MoD source said the Russians have offered to manufacture in India the Ka-226, a small twin-engine helicopter, designed by Kamov. India has an immediate requirement of 440 light utility helicopters needed to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
Read the full story at DefenseNews