Putin discussed tank sale during his visit last year

The Indian army is keen to complete the deal before the current financial year ends on 31 March.

Some officials argue that as an old trading partner, Russia continues to take India for granted, sometimes assuming that Delhi can be pressured into accepting all deals on Russian terms.

Nevertheless, nearly 70% of India's military hardware is of Soviet or Russian origin.

Co-operation

Mr Klebanov will meet Defence Minister George Fernandes as well as National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra.

They are expected to finalise the agenda of the new Indo-Russian commission on military-technical co-operation, which is due to meet in Moscow next month.

Russia has steadfastly defied the global nuclear blockade against India, imposed after its 1998 nuclear tests.

The two sides agreed in October to co-operate bilaterally on what they say is the peaceful application of nuclear energy.

India's acquisitions from Russia

310 T-90 tanks Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier S-300 air defence system

President Putin visited the Bhaba Atomic Research Complex, which is closely involved in developing India's nuclear weapon deterrent, principally against nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and China.

Submarines

The Indian Navy is also keen to operate nuclear submarines, and is currently assessing the possibility of leasing a Russian vessel.

That would be strongly opposed by the United States, which is anxious to avoid an arms race in the region between India, Pakistan and China.

Two Russian warships will be in Indian waters for Delhi's first International Fleet Review this weekend.

They will be the first to venture into the Indian Ocean region since the Cold War.

Their presence is a sign of Moscow's increased naval ambitions in the region.