The Hindu : National : Manmohan to visit Russia on Sunday

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Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007
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Manmohan to visit Russia on Sunday

Special Correspondent

To focus on improving strategic relationship between the two countries

Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will pay a two-day visit to Russia from November 11. The visit is in continuation of the tradition of holding annual summit meetings between the heads of government, which started seven years ago.

The Prime Ministerial visit takes place after both sides have made considerable efforts in arriving at common positions on issues such as furthering research and joint use of space and cutting edge technologies, stepping up bilateral trade and joint development of the next generation fighter aircraft.

India and Russia are also discussing smoother cooperation in the setting up of an atomic power plant complex in Tamil Nadu as well as removing the irritants in the defence relationship that include erratic supply of spares and delayed delivery of defence platforms.

Last month, Defence Minister A.K. Antony and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Moscow in addition to several delegations of officials and scientists from various departments to touch on these issues.

Describing his recent visit to Moscow as successful, Mr. Antony had said while India outsourced its weapons needs from several countries, “we will not abandon our old friends for the sake of making new ones.”

Having frequently interacted this year with his Russian counterpart at multilateral fora, Mr. Mukherjee has intensively discussed their political approach to events in the regions, including Iran, Afghanistan, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The scientists along with diplomats have been examining the operationalising of a memorandum of understanding on the setting up of three new joint centres of excellence — non-ferrous and rare metals, biomedical technology and accelerators and lasers.

In the defence sector, future contracts would form the hub of the discussions but India would also be seeking a more stable relationship in the supply of spares and overhauling that are crucial aspects in technology-intensive products.

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