Russia to build Indian nuclear reactors: Agency

Moscow, Jan 23: Russia will sign a multi-billion dollar deal this week to build more nuclear reactors in India when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi to cement ties, Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov was quoted as saying today.

Ivanov said in comments reported by the Interfax news agency Russia would agree to build additional reactors at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and reactors at new sites elsewhere in India.

Putin is due to meet Indian leaders on January. 25-26.

''An agreement between the Russian and Indian governments is being prepared for signing on the construction at the Kudankulam nuclear power station of additional reactors and also the construction of atomic stations at new sites in India,'' Ivanov said in Bangalore.

Russia's Atomstroyexport company has agreed to sell similar reactors to Bulgaria for 2.59 billion dollars each.

Russia is competing with the United States for influence in India, a Moscow Cold War ally which the Kremlin sees as a swiftly growing economic and political power in Asia.

India, Asia's fourth largest economy, is eager to secure oil, gas and power supplies as energy consumption soars. Moscow is seeking to boost arms, energy and nuclear sales to India.

Russia is already building two 1,000 megawatt reactors at Kudankulam as part of a deal signed in 1988. India wants four more of these reactors at the site to meet its energy needs.

Russian nuclear chief Sergei Kiriyenko, also on a visit to India, told reporters today Moscow would send nuclear fuel to the first Kudankulam reactor in the second quarter of this year.

Asked about the reported agreement to build new reactors, a spokesman for Russia's atomic energy agency would only say: ''There is active work in progress on a bilateral document.'' The spokesman declined any further comment.

Deals prepared for Putin's visits are usually not announced before his arrival.

Last year, Putin approved a revamp of Russia's nuclear power sector designed to boost the clout of Moscow's nuclear companies on the world market.

US President George W Bush last month signed legislation, which effectively ended decades of US bans on civilian nuclear trade with India in a clear demonstration of plans for a drive to win a place in the Indian nuclear market.

Reuters

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