New Delhi, Oct.16 : Congress party leader Sandeep Dikshit has said Russia plays an important strategic role insofar as India is concerned and hoped that it would continue to do so in the future as well.

"We have a very old relation with Russia. Earlier also we have bought aircrafts from them and it this should continue whenever our forces require them.'' Dikshit told ANI.

"When the whole world refused to sell their weapons to India, it was Russia who came forward. And whenever the Indian armed forces needed arms and equipment, it was Russia who fulfilled our demands. Hence, we should continue engage with them," he added.

During the BRICS Summit, India and Russia had announced plans to set up a joint venture to build helicopters in India. India will buy surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as the two sides strengthen their military relationship.

The pacts were signed after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

India and Russia also signed a number of agreements in several fields including infrastructure, defence, ship building, science and technology and railways. (ANI)