Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 7) — The Indian government has recently extended an offer to the Philippine Coast Guard to supply the agency with seven helicopters manufactured by India’s biggest aeronautics company Hindustan.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said that maritime cooperation was among the highlights of his recent meeting with President Bongbong Marcos.
The envoy said that negotiations are underway for the proposed helicopter deal for the Philippines’ maritime search and rescue operations, disaster response and humanitarian efforts.
“These are Indian-built helicopters by Hindustan Aeronautics, which is one of the world’s largest aeronautics companies — they build from helicopters to aircrafts,” said Kumaran.
“These are similar to helicopters used in India by our coast guard and navy for their search and rescue and humanitarian assistance operations, and to monitor what is happening in the coasts,” he also said.
The diplomat added that the deal will be through a “soft-loan agreement” with extendible payment terms.
“We are hoping to end the discussions shortly after the examination of the helicopters by the PCG and Department of Transportation,” he said. “It’s still very much in the process of negotiations.”
Kumaran added that should the Philippines push through with the deal, India is ready to provide the necessary training and maintenance support system for the helicopter units.
“So, we will have a lot of trainings for engineers who will be coming out to train for this specific work. There will also be a program for spares and support systems,” he added.
