PM to visit Russia in November

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit Russia in November, the Kremlin press service has announced.

It was during Russian president Vladimir Putin's telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday that the two leaders discussed preparations for the summit. Putin had called Singh to greet him on his 75th birthday.

India and Russia are likely to sign a number of contracts and agreements during Singh's visit.

In 2000, Russia and India signed a 10-year program on military-technical cooperation, which currently comprises about 13 research and development, and production projects.

In 1998, Russia and India established a joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace, to design, develop, produce and market a supersonic cruise missile. Sea-based and land-based versions of the missile have been successfully tested and put into service with the Indian Army and Navy.

Both countries are building a hypersonic missile which is likely to be ready in seven years.