India to train Su-30 pilots from Vietnam

NEW DELHI: Expanding its defence imprint, India has agreed to train Su-30 pilots from Vietnam and help in the maintenance of the aircraft as both countries today reviewed their bilateral defence cooperation.

The decision came following a meeting between visiting Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen Ngo Xuan Lich and his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar, defence sources said.

This is the second major training programme after the Vietnamese Navy was trained by the Indian Navy in operating Russian-origin kilo-class submarines. Both use Su-30 fighter aircraft.

It was not clear if there was any forward movement on the possible sale of BrahMos missiles.

Vietnam, which is involved in a territorial dispute with China, is keen to get it hands on the supersonic missiles that can be fired on land, water and under water.

India has in principle agreed to sell the missiles to them but negotiations are still on.

Russia, which is a partner of India in development of BrahMos missiles is also okay with the deal. (AGENCIES)

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