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India, Russia sign nuclear energy, space agreements

* New Delhi, Moscow to expedite joint development of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft

By Iftikhar Gilani

NEW DELHI: Russia and India on Friday signed landmark accords on issues ranging from nuclear energy to space exploration, as President Dmitry Medvedev met Indian leaders in a bid to bolster ties.

The accords covered the building of four new nuclear energy reactors in Kudankulam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, a co-operation accord on a space flight manned by Indian astronauts, and a contract for Russia to supply 80 MI-17V-5 helicopters for the Indian Army.

In a declaration, the two countries resolved to expedite projects for joint development and production of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft and increase mutual trade volume to $10 billion by 2010.

“The signing of the agreement on civil nuclear co-operation with Russia marks a new milestone in the history of our co-operation with Russia in the field of nuclear energy,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a joint press conference with President Medvedev.

The nuclear agreement was initiated in January last year but had not been signed because of the requirement of a Nuclear Suppliers Group waiver and a safeguards agreement between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency that was not fulfilled until earlier this year.

Russia has become the third country to sign an atomic energy agreement with India after the United States and France.

Moscow is already building two 1,000-megawatt light water reactors at the Tamil Nadu site. The value of the new deal was not given.

The two sides also signed an accord that envisages Russia sending an Indian astronauts into space in 2013 and then launch a manned Indian spacecraft in 2015, officials said.

The string of accords underline that ties between Moscow and New Delhi – which date back to the Soviet Union – continue to be strong, despite India’s desire to also build relations with the United States.

To a question, the Russian president admitted defence ties between the two countries had been strained in the past, but said the issues were resolvable. “We have identified ways to resolve these problems. Some adjustments need to be made and we are co-ordinating efforts,” he said to a question about hurdles in various defence deals including the planned purchase of aircraft career Admiral Gorshkov, nuclear-powered submarines and T-90 tanks.

He said both countries have now moved from a buyer-seller relationship to joint research and production of defence equipment.

Medvedev had earlier told a TV channel that the issue of selling aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov to India was complicated.

“I believe we should simply demonstrate mutual attention and agree on the final parameters of co-operation on this project and go on with it till its full implementation,” he said.

India has paid $1.5 billion to Russia for the ship, but Moscow is reportedly asking for $2 billion more.

On the differences between India and Russia over exporting BrahMos missiles to friendly countries, Medvedev said: “This issue requires, at least, clear mutual understanding, because we all have international obligations.”

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