On November 8, 2012 in Mumbai, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)-both IACS members-signed a Bilateral Agreement laying a solid foundation for enhancing co-operation between the two Societies.
Recognising that closer co-operation will give an impetus to deepening the long-standing good relations between the Societies, the Agreement was signed by Mr. Arun Sharma, IRS Chairman and Managing Director, and Mr. Pavel Shikhov, RS Chief Operating Officer.
The new Agreement replaces the older one, dated 2000, and is aimed at better meeting the needs of the shipping industry for classification services provided by some of the world's leading classification societies.
The main objective of the Agreement is to establish mutual co-operation in the classification and surveys of ships, for the purpose of maintaining the highest standard of classification and promoting the interest of ship owners, shipbuilders, machinery & equipment manufacturers, underwriters and all others concerned with the classification of ships.
On signing the agreement, Mr. Sharma said:
"Signing of the bilateral Agreement between Russian Maritime Register & IRS is a logical step forward and an appropriate reflection of the close ties shared between our two Societies. We look forward to increased co-operation and interaction between RS & IRS in light of this Agreement".
Mr Shikhov said:
"The relations between our nations have always been very close and friendly. That is why I consider that there is significant room for increasing the extent of cooperation between our societies."
