Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes has left for a visit to Russia which will focus on international security issues and the sale of military hardware.

The Gorshkov deal would be signed, when ready, simultaneously with the leasing of Tu-22M3 reconnaissance planes and submarines Indian ambassador K Raghunath

During his six-day visit, Mr Fernandes will hold extensive talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Ivanov, and will visit arms manufacturers.

Russia is India's chief military supplier, but correspondents say Delhi has increasingly been looking at Europe and the United States for its defence equipment.

The talks in Moscow are expected to include the sale to India of an aircraft carrier previously used by the Soviet navy.

India has been looking to add a new aircraft carrier to its naval fleet for several years and has focused on the Admiral Gorshkov, a vessel decommissioned by the erstwhile Soviet navy but since refurbished.

Media reports say the two sides are yet to sort out an acceptable price.

Defence deal

Briefing the media ahead of Mr Fernandes' visit, the Indian ambassador in Moscow said the Gorshkov would be part of a defence deal which would also include the lease of strategic bombers and nuclear submarines.

"The Gorshkov deal would be signed, when ready, simultaneously with the leasing of Tu-22M3 reconnaissance planes and submarines," Ambassador K Raghunath was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.

Mr Fernandes told an Indian news agency that he would also raise the problems the Indian military has in obtaining spare parts from Russia.

India is said to be looking to improve the supply of spares for its MiG fighter jets and as well as its naval vessels.

The Indian defence minister is also expected to visit Irkutsk during his stay.