Russia, India Sign Weapons Deals Worth Billions

[bananas]

Source: Associated Press

Russia and India signed weapons deals worth billions of dollars Monday as President Vladimir Putin sought to further boost ties with an old ally.

Putin and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hailed cooperation between their countries as officials signed a $1.6 billion deal for 42 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets that will be license-built in India from Russian components and a $1.3 billion contract for the delivery of 71 Mil Mi-17 military helicopters.

<snip>

In one notable example, in 2004 Russia signed a $1 billion contract to refurbish a Soviet-built aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy. While the deal called for the ship to be commissioned in 2008, it is still in a Russian shipyard and the contract price has reportedly soared to $2.3 billion. The target date for the carrier's completion was moved back again this year after it suffered major engine problems in sea trials. Russian officials now promise to hand it over to India in the end of 2013.

<snip>

Last year, Russia lost a tender to supply the Indian Air Force with 126 new fighter jets worth nearly $11 billion to France's Dassault Rafale. And last month, Boeing won India's order for a batch of heavy-lift helicopters worth $1.4 billion.

<snip>

As part of its cooperation with India, Russia also has built the first reactor at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and is building a second unit there. The project has been delayed by protests by anti-nuclear groups and local residents.

<snip>

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/putin-focus-economic-ties-trip-india-18053233#.UNhGaHewWSo

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Putin and Singh are giving each other such wonderful Christmas presents!
They are certainly in the holiday spirit of Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men!

[bananas]

1. Noam Chomsky expresses solidarity with Kudankulam protesters

From November - for those who missed it:

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-02/india/34877257_1_koodankulam-nuclear-power-plant-nuclear-energy-nuclear-bomb

Noam Chomsky expresses solidarity with Kudankulam protesters

Manash Pratim Gohain, TNN Nov 2, 2012, 11.08AM IST

Internationally acclaimed academician Noam Chomsky of Massachusetts Institute of Technology of the United States has warned that Kudankulam could be another Bhopal disaster in waiting. In a solidarity letter to the struggling people he said: "Nuclear energy is a very dangerous initiative, particularly in countries like India, which has had more than its share of industrial disasters, Bhopal being the most famous."

"I would like to express my support for the courageous people's movement protesting the opening of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant," added Chomsky.

<snip>

"The support of Chomsky came as a major boost to the fishing community of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, who are unfortunately the first victims of the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant," said T Peter, secretary, National Fish Workers' Forum. "We hope more and more groups and individuals will support the struggle."

"Chomsky is one of the most leading existing internationally renowned left intellectuals today. It is surprising that while such a great personality has expressed support to the Koodankulam struggle, the left in India is still confused about their stand on the hazards of nuclear energy," said Civic Chandran, activist writer. Chomsky's response came as a part of the efforts of the anti-nuclear activists to campaign on Koodankulam issue through the net in a unique manner through a well known website called www.countercurrents org. The site has been publishing posters using statements in support of the Koodankulam struggle from well known national and international personalities every day along with their photographs from October 11, onwards.

<snip>

[bananas]

2. Chomsky - what a Scrooge!

[cosmicone]

5. Chomsky, the idealist, who was separated from reality a long time ago. n/t

[WCGreen]

10. Stuck in the 60's...

[ileus]

3. We should have fought harder for those union contracts.

Wonder if we were even in consideration?

[cosmicone]

4. There would be peace if

the US and China didn't keep arming Pakistan to the teeth and giving a blind eye to Pakistan's terrorist adventures in India.

[samsingh]

8. agreed

pak is a huge terrorist thread

China - it's scary how powerful they are becoming.

[Tempest]

6. India is a U.S. ally. So what's the problem?

Other than it cuts out U.S. gun makers.

[bananas]

11. Billions of dollars spent on weapons instead of something useful. nt

[Tempest]

7. $1.2 billion to India, while we give $60 billion to Saudi Arabia for weapons

Will our hypocritical government make a statement about this sale?

[samsingh]

9. A very powerful India is a strong contributor to global peace

it's important to understand this. Time to wake up to this fact.

Since the seventies, the US has coddled pak and been laughed at in their face. India is the true, Democratic friend. Making it impervious to pak and the growing superpower china will make the region more stable. Without this, pak will continue to support insurgents in the region.

for decades, India complained about pak terrorist support - only Russia listened. The US played their, pak not perfect, but still our friend. hopefully finding the biggest criminal in US history - Bin Laden - inside pak should show the game pak has been playing with the US.

Which countries has India ever invaded? Which terrorists have they supported? Today, they are investing in technology, healthcare, agriculture, and even space exploration.