Russian top general on India visit to boost military ties

Russia's top commander today embarked on a three-day visit to India to discuss bilateral military cooperation and deepen services-to-services interaction.

Chief of the Russian general staff, army general Nikolai Makarov today left on a three-day visit to India to discuss services-to-services interaction between the two countries and up coming INDRA-2011 joint drills, according to Russian defence ministry.

The Indian and Russian military have conducted joint Indra exercises since 2003.

Genenral Makarov, who in the Russian military hierarchy is equivalent to chairman, joint chiefs of staffs, is to be hosted by Air Chief Marshal PV Naik during his December 7-9 visit.

The top general is also scheduled to visit BrahMos Aerospace Ltd, a Russia-India joint venture  manufacturing supersonic cruise missiles, and the Indian Paratroopers brigade in Agra.