The Nuclear deal will be the centrepiece of the summit that is aimed at cementing India-Russia relations
Words: Vandana Devi Images: Various Sources
“Reached the historic city of St Petersburg. Looking forward to a fruitful visit aimed at cementing India-Russia relations.”, Tweeted Prime Minister Modi. The annual summit with President Putin will witness a host of agreements being signed, and most importantly the deal to build with Russia’s help, India’s largest nuclear power plant.
Indian officials informed PTI that last minute talks were taking place to finalise the details of the agreement to build Unit 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. The reactors are being built by Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Russia’s Atomstroyexport company, a subsidiary of Rosatom.
The nuclear deal would be the centrepiece of the summit, which is also expected to have multiple agreements between the both sides on matters ranging from science and technology, railways to cultural exchanges.
India’s ties with Russia goes back to the days of Soviet Union and has recently been a little strained by Russia’s growing economic and political alliances with China and Pakistan. However, a personal chemistry has developed between the two leaders over the course of the last three years.
PM Modi will also be attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a first for an Indian Prime Minister.