What's Russian Navy chief doing in India?

India placed the order for the 44,500 tonne aircraft carrier in 2004, but the delivery schedule of the warship was delayed due to frequent price revision by the Russian side.

After the issue related to the purchase was settled last year, the warship is now expected to join the Indian Navy by the end of next year.

While discussing the maritime environment, specific emphasis was laid on the growing threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean and various possibilities for the two navies to co-operate.

Other matters discussed included possibilities for instituting Navy-to-Navy interactions with 'staff talks' and the feasibility of enhancing the scope of the INDRA exercises between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy. 

India and Russia share deep historical linkages for over 50 years and in recent years defence relations between the two countries have transformed into a strategic partnership with various joint developmental programmes.

Indian Navy and Russian Navy have regularly conducted joint exercises named 'INDRA' since 2003. Five exercises have been held so far.

The last exercise INDRA 09/01 was conducted off Goa and INS Beas made a port call at St Petersburg. 

During this visit to India, Admiral Vysotskiy will also be visiting the Western Naval Command, where he will be visiting INS Shivalik, the indigenously built stealth frigate. 

Admiral Vysotskiy, a graduate from the Black Sea Naval College and the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, has served as the Chief of Staff of the Baltic Fleet and Commander of the Northern Fleet before taking over as the Commander-in-Chief in 2007