Acquisition of aircraft-carrier Admiral Gorshkov in final stages, says Antony
By NewsDesk
Indian Navy is in the ‘final stages’ of acquisition of the modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, from Russia, according to the Defence Minister, Mr A.K. Antony.
With a displacement capacity of 45,000 tonnes and a maximum speed of 32 knots, the ship is expected to be commissioned and transferred to the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya by 2012.
The deal also includes the delivery of MiG-29K Fulcrum carrier-based fighters.
Speaking to newspersons after inaugurating the administrative office complex of the Coast Guard, the Defence Minister said that he would request the US authorities to ensure that the arms and equipment being supplied to Pakistan are stationed on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and not on the Kashmir border with India.
Peace has been largely prevailing on the Indian side of Kashmir in recent times as evident in a pick-up in tourist movement into the region. This is despite the fact attempts of infiltrations from across the border, since thwarted by vigilant army men.
The Home Ministry and the Jammu and Kashmir Government have worked out a formula as part of the larger mission to bring back Kashmiri’s from the other side of the border, Mr Antony said. Replying to a specific question, he said the military would not involve itself directly in the fight against Maoist violence in the eastern parts of the country. This is best handled by the police in the respective States, but the Army would be willing to provide logistical support to the paramilitary forces engaging the misguided elements in the frontline.
