According to a source, India is likely to acquire from Russians about $15 billion worth of sophisticated military equipment in the course of ten years, starting from 2001. Under the current long-term defence cooperation, which expires in 2000, Russian supply of military hardware to India, is expected to reach $7 billion to $8 billion.

The agreement to substantially increase the Russian sale of military hardware to India, was reached during the high-level talks between Indian and Russian defence delegations, under the aegis of the fifth meeting of the Joint Working Group on military and technical cooperation.

On Wednesday, both delegations continued their deliberations, looking at the ``various issues'' of the bilateral defence cooperation under thenew long-term agreement, which focuses on joint design, research and development, one unidentified source said. However, he refused to give detail.

The meeting touched upon the Russian supply of ten more multi-role Su-30 MKI fighter jets, upgradation of MiG-21Bis, purchase of three Project 1135 modified Krivak frigates, one submarine, a big party of modern tanks and integrated air defence systems 300V, liberal daily Nezavisimaya said.

Indian delegation is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring from Russia T-90 missile firing battle tank for the Army and early warning Kamov helicopter for the state-of-the-art Krivak frigates, scheduled to be inducted by 2001.

Indian Defence Secretary Ajit Kumar and Russian First Deputy Defence Minister Nikolai Mikhailov are leading the three-day defence talks as co-chairman of the Joint Working Group.

Kumar has already held talks with First Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Maslyukov, Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev and First Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin.Tomorrow he will meet with Foreign Trade Minister Georgy Babuniya.

``The talks have been going on in a very positive and constructive manner, covering the entire range of bilateral defence cooperation,'' an Indian officials said.