Following the signing of 16 significant agreements between India and Russia, including on nuclear cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Unit II of the Kudankulam atomic plant in Tamil Nadu, being built by Russia, will be commissioned within weeks and negotiations are at an advanced staged for Unit III and IV.
In the atomic field, the two sides signed a significant agreement for “Localisation of Manufacturing in India for Russian-Designed Nuclear Reactor Units” to enable participation of Indian firms under the ‘Make-in-India’ programme.
Affirming that their cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a cornerstone of the Russia—India strategic partnership, the two leaders appreciated the progress made in the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project and agreed to expedite the implementation of ongoing and upcoming projects there.
More n reactors“The sides welcomed progress in identifying the second site in India for additional six nuclear reactor units to be set up in cooperation with Russia,” said the Joint Statement titled ‘Shared Trust, New Horizons’
In the joint press statement with Mr. Putin, Mr. Modi said, “The pace of our cooperation in nuclear energy is increasing. We are making progress on our plans for 12 Russian nuclear reactors at two sites.
“The agreement today will increase Indian manufacturing content in these reactors. It supports my mission of Make in India. I thank President Putin for his support.”
Defence manufacturing“We have made progress on a number of other defence proposals. These would boost defence manufacturing in India and India’s defence readiness with next generation equipment,” Mr. Modi said.
Summing up his talks with Mr. Putin, Mr. Modi said, “We have laid the foundation of the future character of this strategic partnership.”
The two sides expressed commitment to realizing the target of $ 30 billion in 10 years set at the last Annual Summit, up from $ 10 billion, with th Prime Minister saying “We are moving forward on the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement.”
