India concerned over Russian move to supply choppers to Pak

India on Wednesday voiced concern with Russia over its move to supply Mi-35 military helicopters to Pakistan during talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry O Rogozin.

“The question regarding our defence cooperation and any issues that impact this in terms of our concern were raised,” a spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Alexey Dedov last week announced that Russia was willing to supply MI-35 choppers to Pakistan to assist the country in fighting terrorism.

“Pakistan has expressed its interest in buying MI-35 helicopters and we have shown our willingness to provide them,” he had said in Islamabad.

Pakistan’s request for MI-35 helicopters, which is intended for combat missions on day-and-night basis in adverse weather conditions, was made in 2009, but Russia delayed the issue due to its traditional strong ties with India.