Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Kiev-class aircraft carrier" in English language version.
It was at this juncture that Russia offered Admiral Gorshkov to the Indian Navy. Negotiations over acquiring the 44,500-ton Admiral Gorshkov started in 1994. Various high-level delegations who had assessed the ship had independently concluded that the ship's hull was in good material state and would be worth considering for exploitation in the Indian Navy with a suitable mix of aircraft.
It was at this juncture that Russia offered Admiral Gorshkov to the Indian Navy. Negotiations over acquiring the 44,500-ton Admiral Gorshkov started in 1994. Various high-level delegations who had assessed the ship had independently concluded that the ship's hull was in good material state and would be worth considering for exploitation in the Indian Navy with a suitable mix of aircraft.