India, Russia sign 30 pacts

New Delhi, Dec 21 (ANI): India and Russia on Tuesday signed 30 crucial deals in several key areas, including nuclear cooperation, defence, pharmaceutical and space technology sectors.

Besides deciding to enhance cooperation in crucial spheres of military, energy sector, science and technology, space research and pharmaceuticals, the two sides also agreed to step up efforts to achieve the target of bilateral trade of USD 20 billion by 2015. he pacts also included Preliminary Design Contract for FGFA envisaging joint design and development by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau and Rosoboronexport, Framework Agreement on Cooperation in hydrocarbon sector and MoU for joint research and development in reactor technology and related fields for peaceful uses of atomic energy.

Other agreements pertained to simplification of visa procedure for certain categories, including for businessmen, enhancement of cooperation in oil and gas sector.

MoU for cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, MoU on combating irregular migration and agreement on cooperation in the field of emergency management also signed.

A pact was also signed to set up additional nuclear reactors in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu and developing a fifth generation fighter aircraft. (ANI)