I / Moscow January 22, 2007
| India and Russia are expected to sign nearly 10 agreements, including on joint production of a multi-role transport aircraft and fifth generation fighter jets, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's New Delhi visit this week to fortify bilateral strategic partnership. Officials and diplomats here said the two countries are expected to sign 8-10 agreements covering a wide spectrum of bilateral ties, including cooperation in civilian nuclear field, energy, space and defence. Joint Indo-Russian political declaration, a joint statement on continuation of civilian nuclear cooperation under which Russia will build four more additional nuclear power units at Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, after the lifting of curbs by Nuclear Suppliers Group. Bilateral agreement on the joint use and development of Russian GLONASS space based global navigational system, accord on launching the YouthSat university satellite are among the documents expected to be signed during the summit or on the sidelines. After the summit talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Putin, India and Russia are also expected sign an agreement to boost defence cooperation, including the joint development and production of a multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) and fifth generation fighter jet. However, the concrete defence deals on the acquisition of 300 T-90S main battle tanks, up to 40 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters are not expected to be signed during the summit. |
