New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Having agreed already to shell out more for the refit of Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, India Wednesday said the assessment of the technical work required on the carrier is on track. “The assessment has been going on for quite a long time as it is an exhaustive inventory. But it is broadly on track,” Defence Secretary Vijay Singh said here.

Even though India has agreed to the cost escalation of Gorshkov - re-christened INS Vikramaditya - negotiations on the hike have not yet reached a conclusion.

“The negotiations of the price details are on,” Singh added.

The project hit the headlines in 2007 when it was announced that the contract had fallen behind schedule and the Russian dockyard would be unable to meet the 2008 delivery deadline. The date of completion was pushed back to 2010.

After 18 months of intensive sea trials, the aircraft carrier will be handed over to the Indian Navy in 2012.

The delay will force India to undertake another refit of the aircraft carrier Viraat to keep it in service till the induction of INS Vikramaditya.