Indo-Russian Technical Cooperation Meeting Held at Kochi

Indo-Russian Technical Cooperation Meeting Held at Kochi

The 25th meeting of the Indo-Russian Intergovernmental Committee on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) commenced at Kochi from 18 Februrary 2019 and would continue till 21 February 2019. The meeting was inaugurated by Vice Admiral GS Pabby, PVSM, AVSM, VSM the Chief of Materiel- Indian Navy and Rear Admiral IM Zvarich, Chief of Engineering of Russian Navy. The Russian delegation comprises of more than 120 delegates representing the Russian Navy, Russian Government department - the Federal Service for Military technical Cooperation and JSC Rosoborn export.

The Sides focused on Product Support Aspects of Russian Origin Equipment with special emphasis on ‘Make in India’, through involvement of the Indian Industry towards manufacture of spares as well as repairs. Notably, on the opening day the Sides deliberated mechanisms for speedy support of Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya, Refits of EKM class submarines and enhancing product support mechanisms for Aircraft and Missile systems onboard Ships and Submarines.

Further, the two sides would also be discussing a number of aspects related to enhancing operational availability and life cycle support of the Naval acquisitions from Russia.

The IRIGC-MTC Sub-group (Navy) is a forum to discuss various aspects related to acquisition and product support of military equipment onboard Indian Naval Ships, Submarines and Aircrafts acquired from Russia. This year, a large number of Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers are participating in this meeting for the first time facilitating the addressing of technical issues.