Russian-Indian aircraft hassle gets a US dimension

The US engagement in the aircraft carrier-case could eventually make India pull out of its deal with the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, and rather place its investment in a US yard.

The Indian visit to Severodvinsk comes just few days after the Norwegian shipping company Odfjell cancelled a major construction deal with Sevmash, following the Russian company’s reported mismanagement of the contract terms

The Indian Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Shri Vijay Singh yesterday visited the city of Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, together with the country’s ambassador to Russia. On top of the agenda was the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, the Russian vessel, which India according to a deal from 2004 was supposed to take over in 2008.

The Sevmash plant’s inability to complete the construction of the “Admiral Gorshkov” in time and to the agreed price has triggered a crisis in Russian-Indian military relations. In addition comes, the Russian shipyard’s failure to make updates of the Indian diesel-powered submarine “Sindhuvijay”.

Despite the confirmations from Sevmash that yesterday’s meeting with Mr. Shri Vijay Singh was held in a good atmosphere, it is hardly any doubt that Russian authorities and the Russian shipyard now will have to fight hard to keep its Indian clients.

Meanwhile, US authorities appear to take advantage of the Russian-Indian crisis. During his visit to Delhi this week, the US Defence Minister Robert Gates offered India the takeover of the retired US aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, RIA Novosti reports.

The condition is that India also buys US-made Super Hornet fighter jets.

Read also:

India might not get its Russian aircraft carrier, BarentsObserver, 19 February 2008

The Russian-Indian submarine problem of Arkhangelsk BarentsObserver, 12 February 2008