India, Russia to sign landmark nuclear pact

Moscow, Dec 7 (ANI): India and Russia are set to sign a landmark civil nuclear pact on Monday after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's summit talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

India is hopeful of inking an expanded civil nuclear deal with Russia apart from several agreements on defence, space, science and technology.

Civil Nuclear deal for the peaceful use of nuclear energy is at an advanced stage and is likely to be signed today. The agreement envisages broad-based cooperation on a range of technologies and knowhow in the realm of the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.It is also expected that India will be allowed to enrich Russian-supplied uranium up to 20 percent.

Dr. Singh and President Medvedev will also discuss the supply of four more Russian reactors for nuclear power station in Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu.

The other major agreements likely to be signed are three defence deals, including one on cooperation in the development and production of multi-role transport aircraft and an MTA, which will give India an opportunity to enter the global export market.

The two other agreements include an estimated five billion dollar pact on extending the programme for military and technical cooperation for the period 2011-2020 and a pact on after-sales support for Russian arms and military equipment supplied to India.

Both countries will also hold delegation-level talks today. (ANI)