"Our relations with Russia have stood the test of time for over 60 Years," he said after witnessing an awesome firepower display put up by the Indian Air Force and asserted that these close ties would be nurtured and maintained.

The Minister's comments assume significance in the wake of remarks by the naval chief recently that repeated slippage in delivery schedule of crucial weapon platforms like aircraft carrier ‘Gorshkov’ made ‘us wonder where our relations with Russia were going’.

When asked about the views expressed by Admiral Mehta, the minister said, "This (Antony's stand) is the only view of the Government".

On the demand for a steep hike in costs made by Russia for the upgradation of the carrier, Antony said, "the issue had already been taken up at the highest level".