Admiral Suresh Mehta, the Indian naval chief, arrived in Moscow on Thursday on a six-day visit to Russia for assessing the progress on ongoing naval projects between two countries and help speed up the delivery of the Gorshkov aircraft carrier and deployment of MiG-29KUB jets on it.
During his Russian visit from March 13-19, Admiral Mehta, also the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, is also expected to discuss the vital issues of cooperation with his Russian counterpart Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky and fly the MiG-29KUB fighter developed for deployment on Gorshkov carrier after its induction as INS Vikramaditya some time in 2012.
The issues of seagoing trials of Admiral Gorshkov by the Russian Navy prior to its delivery are also expected to be discussed by Admiral Mehta with his Russian counterpart.
The Russian shipyard has promised to deliver the 44,000 ton vessel for 18 month sea trials in 2010 provided more funds are allocated to cover cost escalation and need to replace more components including turbines and over 2,000 km cables.
Admiral Mehta is scheduled to visit Severodvinsk-based Sevmash shipyard in Arctic Russia for the inspection of requirements of Gorshkov upgradation, amid indications of New Delhi's readiness to revise the cost of the deal.
Before leaving for home on March 19, Admiral Mehta will also discuss the issues of other naval projects with the officials of several naval design bureaus in St Petersburg.