India and Russia also signed 16 documents including Memoranda of Understanding, MoU in several areas like oil and gas, nuclear energy defence and health research. The documents were inked after the delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Russian president Vladimir Putin in New Delhi this afternoon.
The two countries agreed on strategic vision to strengthen cooperation in peaceful use of Atomic Energy. India also agreed to expeditiously identify a second site, in addition to Kudankulam, for Russian-designed nuclear power units in the country. Both the countries discussed collaboration between companies in oil and gas exploration and production. The potential for bilateral cooperation in outer space to advance societal applications was also deliberated upon.
In a media statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Russia will remain India’s most important defence partner, despite New Delhi having more options. He said, Russia has offered its most advanced helicopters to be fully manufactured in India. Mr Modi said, Mr Putin is leader of a great nation with which New Delhi has a friendship of unmatched mutual confidence, trust and goodwill.
The Prime Minister said, India and Russia have outlined an ambitious vision for nuclear energy of at least ten more reactors. He said combating terrorism and extremism, advancing peace and stability in Afghanistan and working together for a stable and prosperous Asia Pacific are among the areas of bilateral cooperation. President Putin expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the summit. He said, he had constructive discussions on an entire gamut of issues with Prime Minister Modi.
India and Russia also agreed on a vision, Druzhba-Dosti, for strengthening partnership over the next decade. A joint statement issued at the end of India-Russia 15th Annual Summit said the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries have been built on strong foundation of mutual trust, bilateral understanding and people-to-people contacts.
President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on broadening cooperation to carry the friendship to a new level. They expressed confidence that a strong strategic partnership advances the national interests of the two countries and contributes to a more stable and secured world order. The two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of energy including oil and gas, power generation, nuclear energy, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
Recognizing the huge untapped potential in bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, the two sides decided to intensify their efforts to realize their full potential. It is expected that the Russian companies will utilise the opportunities in a wide range of Indian sectors under the Make in India Campaign.
