Fighter deal likely during Modi’s November visit to Russia

The final agreement for the joint development and production of a fifth generation fighter aircraft could be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia in November, diplomatic sources told The Hindu on Thursday.

Preparations are under way in both countries for the summit-level meeting to impart a qualitative boost to defence cooperation.

Agreeing that differences exist, sources said without getting into the details that “a workaround has been found and discussions are in an advanced stage” and an agreement could be reached “by autumn”. The final deal is likely to be signed in November.

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