No change in policy of not arming India�s adversaries: Russia
Daily Excelsior
05:35 AM Oct 11, 2012 IST
NEW DELHI, Oct 10:Russia today sought to dispel impression of its growing proximity to Pakistan over arms supplies, saying there was no change in its policy in this regard.Traditionally, Russia has adopted a policy of not supplying weapon systems to India�s western adversary Pakistan but a number of its aircraft are in operational service with China.�I will make a very short comment that we have not had any change in our legislation whatsoever,� Russian defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov told reporters here at a joint press conference with Indian Defence Minister A K Antony.He was asked if there was any change in Russian policy of not arming India�s adversaries.Pakistan is seeking combat aircraft engines for its fighter aircraft being developed jointly with China and equipment for the mid-air refuelling aircraft such as the Ilyushin-78.On speculation that he had cancelled his October 4 visit to India to meet Pakistan Army Chief Gen Pervez Ashraf Kiyani, Serdyukov said he had already apologised to his Indian counterpart for not being able to make it.�I could not make it but the only reason I stayed back was due to participation in certain activities run by my supreme commander President Putin. It was the release of new transport aircraft IL-476. It is a huge contract and it is very promising,� he said.Serdyukov was earlier supposed to reach India on October 4 for the Defence Minister-level meeting but after it was postponed, speculation was rife that he had done so to meet the Pakistani army chief who was in Moscow on a three-day visit. (PTI)�
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