New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS): Russian industry has expressed interest in producing civil aircraft and choppers in India, the government said Friday.

Minister of State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that Russia has expressed interest in production of civil aircraft, light transport aircraft and helicopter in India with Russian technology.

Sitharaman was referring to the recently held session of the India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment here in New Delhi.

According to the minister, interactions among members of industry members of India and Russia at the B2B (business-to-business) event showed Russian interest in production of the aircraft in India.

The development assumes significance as the government has deregulation defence manufacturing and has invited foreign players participation in the sector.

On the other hand, the minister informed the parliament that India sought Russian cooperation in various sectors including the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), railway wagon manufacturing, construction and mining equipment, development of national investment and manufacturing zones (NIMZs).

The panel discussions at this year's forum was held on pharmaceutical, infrastructure and manufacturing sector.