India and Russia sign weapons deal
Demonstrators take part in anti-Putin rally in the central Arbat area in Moscow, on March 10. Russia’s protest movement against Vladimir Putin rallied several thousand people for a new demonstration that is a test of their strength and tactics after his crushing election victory.
Russia and India have signed new defense deals worth $2.9 bn during a visit by Russia's President Vladimir Putin to India.
According to BBC News, under the deal, India will buy 42 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and 71 Mil Mi-17 helicopters.
"We agreed to further strengthen the traditions of close cooperations in the military and technical areas," Putin said after the deal was finalized, the Associated Press reported.
Moscow has been Delhi's main weapons supplier, BBC reported, however in recent years trade between the two countries has been slowing.
The AP also reported that Indian PM Manmohan Singh and Putin discussed the security situation in the region during the meeting.
"India and Russia share the objective of a stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, free from extremism," Mr Singh"India and Russia share the objective of a stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, free from extremism," Singh said.
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