Saturday, May 21 2005 10:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: President A P J Abdul Kalam's four-day visit to Russia from tomorrow (May 22, 2005) would be instrumental in boosting bilateral strategic partnership in Defence and space, Indian Ambassador Kanwal Sibal said in Moscow.

"The President in his earlier capacities has been closely linked with the Russian Defence scientists. He is well aware of Russia's scientific and technological potential and during his talks with President Putin would help in boosting bilateral strategic partnership in Defence and space," Sibal said briefing the Indian media ahead of the President's State visit to Russia.

During the President's Moscow talks, ideas about new Indo-Russian joint ventures in Defence like the "highly successful" Brahmos cruise missile project, launched under the guidance of Kalam himself when he was the Prime Minister's Defence Advisor, would be discussed.

"India and Russia are confidently moving away from the buyer-seller relations in Defence and through joint R&D, production and marketing projects Russia would remain India's major long-term Defence partner," Sibal said.

During his visit, besides holding talks with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (May 24, 2005), the President is also scheduled to visit NPO Mashinostroyenie missile design bureau in Reutov town, which is Brahmos partner in the joint venture and meet his former Russian colleagues and friends. Kalam has also been closely associated with multi-role Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter project and will visit Sukhoi Aircraft Corporation in Moscow.

This would be the first state visit of an Indian President to the country in the last 17 years.