Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh accompanied by a high level delegation will leave for Moscow today to participate in the 12th Indo-Russian Annual Summit 2011 on December 16th. Briefing media persons on the eve of the visit, Foreign Secretary Mr Ranjan Mathai said that bilateral ties with Russia are a key pillar of India’s foreign policy. India views Russia as a time-tested, trustworthy and reliable strategic partner.

The foreign secretary informed that during the visit agreements will be signed in the areas of energy, health, science, defence and trade. Replying to media questions on the status of units III and IV of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, Foreign Secretary said that discussions are going on and are in the final stages. He also said that construction of Kudankulam I and II nuclear power plant units are nearing completion with Russian technology.

Foreign Secretary informed that beside delegation level talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Dr Manmoham Singh will also have an interaction with Russian and Indian CEO’s forum. The CEO’s forum on the Indian side will be chaired by Mr Ravi Kant, MD of Tata Motors.

Trade is going to be a thrust area in the Indo-Russian bilateral relationship hence the Prime Minister’s meeting with the CEO’s forum assumes significance.

In the area of culture, Foreign Secretary informed that next year would be the year of Russia in India. Mr Ranjan Mathai also informed that the issue of terrorism and the situation in India’s neighbourhood is also likely to come up during the summit meeting.

The Foreign Secretary said that to consolidate and advance the multifaceted bilateral ties between India and Russia several dialogue mechanisms at both the official and political levels have been instituted.

The 12th annual summit will see a further consolidation of India and Russia’s special and privileged strategic partnership.