25 Dec 2012

Arms deals signed

3:01 pm on 25 December 2012

Russia and India have signed arms deals worth more than $US3.5 billion during a visit by President Vladimir Putin.

Under the agreements signed in Delhi on Monday, Russia will deliver more than 70 military helicopters and more than 40 fighter jets.

Russia currently accounts for some 70% of India's arms purchases, but has lost several contracts to Western companies recently.

Trade between Russia and India is currently worth $US10 billion per year.

Before the visit, Mr Putin said that he wanted to increase bilateral trade to $US20 billion by 2015.

Monday's talks between Mr Putin and Mr Singh also included the security situation in the region, including Afghanistan.

The Russian leader also said that military co-operation between the two nations has reached an "unprecedented level".