Nuclear pact among 20 agreements signed; PM pushes for Make in India, Russia agrees
Working towards a long-term strategic partnership, Russia and India on Thursday signed major pacts in nuclear engineering, atomic energy, oil and gas, health research and defence during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. The two countries signed 20 agreements during the Annual Summit meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi, out of which 13 were commercial contracts involving Indian and Russian companies. The agreements also included exploring investment opportunities by both sides.
In a bid to further ramp up their strategic cooperation, the two sides signed a document on strengthening of ties in peaceful use of nuclear energy that has provisions on non-disclosure of technical data and confidential information. Russia committed itself to build 12 more nuclear reactors in India by 2035 and cooperate in joint uranium production, nuclear waste disposal. Putin and Modi reviewed progress of Kudankulam Nuclear Plant in Tamil Nadu and confirmed to build a second in line with the Kudankulam Plant. India will identify the second site at the earliest. Modi said the two sides have charted out an ambitious vision for nuclear energy and said these reactors will have the highest standards of safety in the world.
“We are paving way for long-term, true and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Putin said after the meeting between two leaders where they sought deeper economic and defence engagement. Putin said both countries have already successfully implemented the Brahmos missile programme and was working on a jet fighter and the multi-role transport aircraft programme.
Pushing his “Make in India” concept, Modi requested Putin to set up units in India for manufacturing of defense spare parts which will help create jobs for Indian youth. “President Putin and I discussed a broad range of new defence projects. We also discussed how to align our defence relations to India’s own priorities, including ‘Make in India’. I am pleased that Russia has offered to manufacture in India one of its most advanced helicopters. It includes the possibility of exports from India. It can be used for both military and civilian use…I also proposed that Russia should locate manufacturing facilities in India for spare parts and components for Russian defence equipment in India. He (Putin) responded very positively to my request,” Modi said.
India and Russia will study the possibilities of building a hydrocarbon pipeline system, connecting Russian with India through International North-South Transport Corridor. For bilateral trade, the two countries will encourage payments in national currencies. Modi and Putin expressed satisfaction over progress made in promoting direct trade of diamonds between two countries.
The PM said this is a challenging moment in the world and India-Russia partnership and strong sensitivity for each other’s interests will be a source of strength to both countries. “Our areas of priority for our cooperation include combating terrorism and extremism, advancing peace and stability in Afghanistan; working together for a stable, balanced, peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific; and, cooperating for development in other countries,” Modi said.