India, Russia Sign Jet Manufacturing Pact Before Putin’s Visit

India and Russia have signed a pact to jointly produce passenger aircraft, just weeks ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit, signaling that ties between Moscow and New Delhi remain resilient despite mounting pressure from the White House.

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has signed an accord with United Aircraft Corp. of Russia for manufacturing of civil commuter aircraft SJ-100, HAL said in a statement on Tuesday. It did not mention if the pact includes transfer of technology to India or the investment involved.

The announcement comes just before Putin’s scheduled visit to India in December, at a time ...