Russian army chief on five-day India visit

General Alexei Fedorovich Maslov, Commander-in-Chief of Russian Land Forces, arrived here on a five-day visit today.

New Delhi, June 4 : General Alexei Fedorovich Maslov, Commander-in-Chief of Russian Land Forces, arrived here on a five-day visit today.

General Maslov was received by his Indian counterpart General J J Singh at the Army Headquarters. Later, he was presented the ceremonial guard of honour.

The visit assumes special significance in the light of enhanced defence cooperation between the two countries. It will also give an impetus to the existing defence cooperation in the field of training and exchange of experts in the field of mutual interests.

During his visit, General Maslov will meet Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, Chief of the Army Staff J J Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major, and other dignitaries. He will also visit important institutions of the Indian Armed Forces.

A Russian Army chief's visit to India is taking place after almost eight years.Russia has been the major defence equipment supplier to Indian Armed Forces. Presently, the ongoing defence cooperation encompasses equipment procurement, exchange of delegations, conduct of joint exercises, and joint designing, development and marketing of military equipment.

The first ever joint airborne exercise between the two armies was conducted in 2005 in India and next joint exercise is planned to be held in Russia this year.

ANI