India and Russia have 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. Mr Modi exuded confidence that bilateral cooperation and international partnership between the two countries will scale new heights. He said the two countries have made a new start in the hydrocarbon sector with few important agreements and will set an ambitious agenda for partnership in the oil and natural gas. Mr Modi said the partnership and strong sensitivity of both the countries will be a source of strength for them. 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.