Russia To Help India Develop 600km Range Cruise Missiles

India's offensive capacity has received a big boost as Russia has agreed to help New Delhi develop a new generation of 'Brahmos' missiles with 600km-plus striking range. The Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the new generation missiles could easily hit protected targets with pinpoint accuracy.

During his recent two-day visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow made a final decision in this regard after the South Asian country joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June. Indian defence experts have welcomed President Putin's announcement, saying that it is the first major benefit of joining MTCR.

MTCR guidelines prohibit its members from transfer, sale or joint production of missiles beyond 300km range with countries outside the club. As a result, India failed to extend Brahmos' striking range beyond...