Russia may end up the big winner if India's cancellation of a 750 million U.S. dollar VVIP helicopter contract with an Italian company, clouded in a corruption scam, goes through, reported local daily Hindustan Times Sunday.

The newspaper quoted top air force sources as saying India would consider going back to Russia to acquire a new VVIP fleet to replace its ageing Russian-made Mi-8 choppers of 1970s vintage, due to be phased out next year.

A fresh global tender may not be floated as this could delay the process by seven to eight years, said the newspaper earlier.

Russia would not require tendering as this would be considered a "follow-on" order since India has already booked 80 Mi-17 V5 choppers.from Russia.

India has decided to cancel a contract with an Italian firm AgustaWestland, over the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters for the Indian Air Force over suspected corruption.