Nuclear, Defence coop talks during Putin visit

New Delhi, Jan 22: Nuclear and Defence cooperation will top the agenda of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin who will arrive here on January 25 on a two-day visit to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day function.

The two countries will also sign three agreements including one on cultural cooperation for 2007-2009 and a Protocol on celebrating the year of India in Russia and vice versa. Besides, space-related agreements will also be signed.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov, who will be in the capital ahead of the Presidential visit, will hold talks with Defence Minister A K Antony here tomorrow.

''The two countries have graduated from a mere buyer-seller relationship to joint production of Defence equipment,'' official sources said.

The Indo-US nuclear cooperation will also figure during the discussions including on more reactors for Kudunkulum.

''In principle, there is an understanding on three more reactors for Kudunkulum,'' according to the sources.

Discussions will also centre around oil and gas exploration and the two countries are looking at the whole range of energy solutions, not just Sakhalin-3.

The two countries are also discussing joint exploration in third countries, the sources added.

The Russian President will be accompanied by a high-powered delegation including the Deputy Prime Minister.

He would call on President A P J Abdul Kalam and have discussions with the Prime Minister.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi would call on the visiting dignitary.

UNI

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