New Delhi: Russia which has been a partner of India since long in terms defence produce or supporting India at the international level, has said that it won't take part in the India Navy's ongoing procurement plan for new submarines.
According to a report by ET, Russia has formally apprised the Indian government of the decision. However, the country has offered India upgraded Kilo class submarines-the type that forms the bulk of the current conventional fleet- but has decided not to participate in the contest citing technical reasons.
The development came after Russia scanned the RFP finalizing terms and conditions of the tender.
''Russia was interested previously in participating in the programme and also suggested a platform based on the design of project 677E submarine Amur-1650,'' ET quoted a Rosoboronexport spokesperson as saying.
The report further informed that German side, too, has apprised the Indian government citing inability to take part in the contest due to technical reasons, including inability clauses and an inadequate budgetary allocation. However, according to some indications, the German side can take part, if some changes are made to the tender requirements.
Rosoboronexport spokesperson said offers have been made to supply upgraded Kilo class submarines.
"To reinforce the Indian submarine fleet, the Russian side has offered both supply of new diesel-electric submarines of time-tested Project 636, and supply of Project 877 submarines after their withdrawal from service with the Russian Navy and upgrade," the spokesperson added.
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