Medvedev assured India the carrier would be delivered in time

23.12.2010 Delay in delivery of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya to Indian Navy is not related with India's military cooperation with other countries; construction is on schedule and all commitments will be met, said Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

"Everything is good. As for now, the construction goes in accordance with the schedule; all agreements concluded with Indian government will be implemented in time", said the president answering questions of Indian students whether delay of Admiral Gorshkov's delivery is related with India's cooperation with the U.S.

"Admiral Gorshkov will join Indian Navy under another name and will protect your national interests", promised Medvedev.

He admitted that the carrier's building had been delayed due to different reasons, including commercial and technological issues. Russian leader emphasized, however, that the timeouts are "by no means associated with India's cooperation with other countries".

"We're not jealous at all and take it easy", Medvedev said.

"It is our belief that Russia and India are preferred partners in the area of security and military technical cooperation", pointed out Medvedev.