Official picnic in Delhi Liaison Office with Russian delegations

As I have mentioned earlier, my Bengali boss had done me a world of good by transferring me. I was initially depressed but realized that whatever happens is always for the good. That is why I was given charge of a new department and asked set it up from scratch. I defined the norms of work here and others followed. That helped to boost my confidence no end and, with the passage of time, I understood that when decisions are to be taken, they must be taken without bothering about the consequences.

Anyway, the nature of my work with regard to Russians was completely different as compared to my earlier interactions. I was a part of the Indian delegation and formed the working level. The bosses went to Russia in June and our meetings with the Russians would be annual affairs held in the month of December at our Liaison Office at Hauz Khas.
These meetings would be a sort of official picnic. Our team from Nashik would put up in our Guest House which was located in the Khel Gaon or the Asian Games village. After breakfast in the Guest House, we would walk down to the Liaison Office in Hauz Khas. Once the Russian working team arrived, we would begin to compare notes, resolve discrepancies point by point, discuss any new pints that might have cropped up since the last meeting. At times, we would have to send fax to our people in Nashik to obtain clarifications.
The working level teams would carry out the exercises for about 10 days after which the senior officers of both the Indian and Russian sides would meet to ensure that everyone spoke in the same frequency.
The end result of these meetings was the Inter-Governmental agreements that would be signed by the ministries – and, from being a non-entity, I had suddenly entered the domain of decision makers. It was a good feeling. (to be continued …)

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Interaction with Russians for MiG-27 work at different levels

I have had interaction with Russians for quite some time at different levels. It was to be expected because HAL Nashik was manufacturing and overhauling Russian MiG-27 fighter planes for the Indian Air Force. When I had joined in 1967, the Russians with whom I had interaction were from the shop floor – most of them were technicians and specialists in their own trades. Hence, the interactions were of technical nature.
Later, when I was in Customer Services department, the interaction was at a much senior level and involved more of tact and finesse in nit being bunt but conveying our feelings in a manner that would not be offensive.

The term coined for extending customer services to the fleet of MiG-27 aircraft was ‘exploiting’ – why such a term was used and accepted by all the parties namely the IAF, HAL as well as the Russians is still a mystery. As per signed contracts, Russia had to supply some Technical Kits for supporting the aircraft in the field. The end use of most of the items was for maintenance of the aircraft by the IAF. As a part of my involvement, I had to confirm receipt status of items, their completeness and serviceability. Therefore, the interaction with the Russians was clearly defined.
But, problems would arise when the Indian bosses had to liaise with the Russian bosses.
In those days, there used to be 6-monthly review of the status alternating between India and Russia. Therefore, when it was the turn for meeting in Russia, there used to be a mad rush to provide every conceivable information to the bosses before they left. It was the era of telexes and faxes and direct contact meant STD calls taking into account the time difference.
And, in this respect, one of these bosses used to be a terror. He would leave on a Monday and the previous Saturday and Sunday would see everyone on the edge.
In contrast, there was another boss who called over all associated officers after lunch on the Saturday. He would be in his chamber with the last recorded details of the meeting in front of him. He would ask pointed questions on the officers and make notes in the margin. And – it would all be over before pack up. He would leave, a satisfied man – we would go home happy at not having to come back on Sunday. (to be continued ..)

A few more must reads -

Nashik Kumbhmela 2015 – a once in 12-years pilgrimage

Trip to Nashik should take in Shirdi and the Ajanta and Ellora caves

Nashik, a tourist center with links to the epic Ramayana

Nashik, a tourist center with links to the Mahabharata

Kumbhmela 2015 in Nashik – guided tours to wineries and vineyards

Nashik transforms from a place of pilgrimage to an industrial hub

EU realizes the curse of plastic carry bags – to banish the bags

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Pet Pomeranians of Surat married off, 500 wedding guests enjoy the feast

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‘Papri’ and ‘Barood’ - collection of Bengali short stories published from Nashik

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