By Laxman Kumar Behera
The Gorshkov deal between India and Russia has run into controversy over the price and cost overruns of the planned induction of the 44,500 tonne aircraft carrier into the Indian Navy. The Russian failure to adhere by contractual agreements also reveals India’s helplessness in regard to Russian military hardware. This article discusses key developments in the Gorshkov deal and the reasons for its being against India’s interests.
The deal goes back to 20 January 2004, when India signed the Contract and Supplementary Agreements worth US$974 million for inducting the Admiral Gorshkov into the Indian Navy. The agreements related to repair and re-equipment, logistics support, shore infrastructure, training of ship’s crew, repair and technical documents. The delivery of the carrier was scheduled for August 2008. However, as time elapsed, questions were raised over its timely delivery. But, the Indian establishment was assured that the ship would be delivered on the contractual terms.
