New Delhi: In the first high-level engagement with Russia after the BJP-led NDA government came to power, India has objected to the proposed sale of Mi-35 Russian military attack helicopters by Russia to Pakistan. Russia has so far not sold any weaponry in the past to Pakistan out of regard for Indian concerns and sensitivities on the issue and also because of the time-tested Indo-Russian strategic ties.
The issue was raised strongly by India during talks between external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian deputy PM Dmitry O. Rogozin. The issue was also understood to have been raised in a meeting between the visiting Russian dignitary and defence minister Arun Jaitley.
Russia has been the largest arms supplier to India. “The question regarding our defence cooperation and any issues that impact this in terms of our concern were raised,” MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
