India and Russia are likely to sign a number of agreements to further deepen the defence ties between the two countries, during the three day visit of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to Russia beginning on Sunday. An agreement on the bilateral framework for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which is in the advanced stages, is also expected to be signed. The two sides will be signing an agreement on extending programme for military and technical cooperation for another ten years from 2011, a protocol to the agreement on cooperation in development and production of Multi-role Transport Aircraft, MTA and an agreement on after sale support for Russian arms and military equipment supplied to India. A dollar credit line agreement between Exim Bank of India and Vnesheconombank of the Russian Federation will also be signed for the extension of 100 million dollar credit to Russia for certain import of equipment from India. An MoU on cultural exchanges between India and Russia will also be signed. The Prime Minister will be attending the annual bilateral summit along with President, Dmitry Medvedev where the two leaders will review the relation between the two countries. Briefing media, foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said that defence cooperation between India and Russia has been the key elements of their relationship and the two sides have moved well beyond buyer-seller relationship. She said, they are now involved in joint production through transfer of relevant technology. Rao said, India views relationship with Russia as an enduring friendship that has stood the test of time.<br/>