Indian Government News,
Russia on Tuesday said the delivery of Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier to the Indian Navy would be delayed till 2012 as the vessel could be refitted only sometime in 2010.
Russia also said that since last year New Delhi has not made any payments although the extra work to the tune of USD 1.7 billion has been done by the shipyard.
The 44.5-thousand tonne Kiev-class aircraft carrier was to be initially commissioned as INS Vikramaditya in August this year under the USD 1.5 billion deal signed in January 2004, which included the refit of the vessel and supply of 16 MiG-29K fighters.
According to an unnamed representative of Severodvinsk-based Sevmash shipyard, Gorshkov will be launched in early December, probably to coincide with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's maiden visit to India. After launching it would be moored to the assembly wall for the completion of its refit.
“At this juncture, the completion of work in 2010 would be realistic. Two more years would be required to complete the vessel's sailing trials, including testing its aircraft in the severe conditions of Barents Sea,” the shipyard 'representative' was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.
Sea-going and flying trials of the refitted aircraft carrier will be conducted by the Russian crew trained on the “Admiral Kuznetsov” aircraft carrier in service with the Russian Navy.
“Keeping in view the volume of work over and above the contract, the shortage of funds has reached USD 1.7 billion mark. From 2007 the Indians have practically not allocated funds for the repair and refit of the vessel, forcing Sevmash to carry on the refit through attracting credits,” it said quoting experts' opinion.
Earlier this year Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta had visited Severodvinsk-based Sevmash shipyard to take the stock of situation and the problems faced in the Gorshkov modernisation including cost-escalation.
According to local media reports, Sevmash is asking for USD one billion extra, while India is reported to be ready to pay not more than USD 600 million.
The negotiations are still underway, diplomatic sources said without disclosing the amount India would be ready to pay over and above the original contract.
