NEW DELHI: Moscow has agreed "in principle" to add more reactors to the 2x1000 MW units at the Koodankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, now under construction, senior Indian officials said ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi later this week.

The officials told presspersons on Monday that the two countries were also working on a declaration of intent on civilian nuclear cooperation, which was likely to be issued during Mr. Putin's visit.

On the additional reactors, the officials said talks were on with the Russian side. However, they were categorical that Moscow had "in principle" agreed to supply more reactors.

Russia supplied enriched uranium for the Tarapur plant in 2006, contrary to the statements made earlier by Russian officials that the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) guidelines prohibited such transfers.

With India and the United States making progress on the civilian nuclear front, Moscow's perception too, of New Delhi on the civilian nuclear issue seems to have changed. Obviously, Russia too is looking at the nuclear power pie that will be up for grabs if the civilian nuclear deal crosses the next couple of hurdles.

According to the officials, two agreements would be signed during Mr. Putin's visit on the Glonass (Global Navigation Satellite System) to operationalise the framework accord signed earlier. Yet another agreement on space cooperation was also ready for signature.

They said Mr. Putin's meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would mark the seventh annual summit between the two countries. The officials emphasised that there were no "outstanding issues" between the Moscow and New Delhi.

Pointing to the continuity in the strategic content of the relationship, the officials said the two sides had work to do in expanding the trade ties. In this context, they referred to the work of a joint study group on ways and means to increase two-way trade to $10 billion by 2010.

The group was also looking at the possibility of a comprehensive economic partnership.

On defence issues, the officials said Defence Minister A.K. Antony and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov would hold talks ahead of Mr. Putin's arrival on January 25 to firm up possible agreements. The two sides were closely looking at co-production of a medium-sized, multi-role transport aircraft and a fifth generation fighter aircraft.

In the oil and gas sector, the officials spoke of possible cooperation between India and Russian companies in third countries, especially in Central Asia.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail