Putin seconds Indo-US nuclear deal: Manmohan

Moscow, Jan 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has denied that the Indo-US nuclear deal will have a negative impact on energy cooperation with Russia.

''I have discussed this matter with President Vladimir Putin several times and I am very happy to report you that he is fully on board,'' Dr Singh told All Russia Television and Radio Company (VGTRK) and Interfax news agency in an interview ahead of his summit with the Russian leader on January 25-26 in New Delhi.

''He has told me that this cooperation is good for India and Russia is fully supporting India in the nuclear deal that we have done with the United States, '' Dr Singh said, adding, ''Russia will support India in the Nuclear Suppliers Group when this case comes up before it(the group).'' ''Russia and President Putin fully agree that we need this deal with the US to get rid of the nuclear restrictions, which have hampered India's energy development, particularly in the field of nuclear energy, for the last 35 years,'' Dr Singh stressed.

He also pointed out that Indo-Russian cooperation in the field of nuclear energy will expand in the coming years.

''Russian nuclear power technology is internationally competitive. Since we have major plans to increase the share of nuclear power in our energy mix, there are concrete opportunities for cooperation in this area,'' he added.

UNI