ASTRAKHAN. April 27 (Interfax) - Russia and India are working to conclude an intergovernmental agreement in the field of shipbuilding and ship repair, Indian Ambassador to Russia Pawan Kapur told reporters in Astrakhan on Thursday after a meeting with Governor of the Astrakhan Region Igor Babushkin.
The United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) is involved in the negotiations, he said.
"We are working on an intergovernmental agreement on shipbuilding and ship repair. I would like to note that I suggest that Astrakhan-based companies consider the possibility of using their competencies and ship personnel at our shipyards in India. I am participating in negotiations with USC. We will see how these two interests can be combined," the ambassador said.
The production facilities of USC's Southern Center for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair are located in the Astrakhan region. It includes the Lotos Shipyards (MOEX: LOTS), the Astrakhan Shipbuilding Production Association, the Third International Shipyard, and a number of subcontracting companies, as well as the Red Barricades shipyard, forming a single industrial complex.
The region also has several major ports.