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| India-Pakistan |
| Putin seals nuclear power stations deal with India |
| 2007-01-25 |
| Russian President Vladimir Putin sealed a deal on Thursday to construct nuclear power plants in India, as Moscow moved closer to its long-term Asian partner through lucrative energy and arms agreements. Putin met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday and will be the guest of honour at the official celebrations of India's main national holiday Republic Day on Friday -- a reflection of the historically close ties between the two countries. "Energy security is the most important of the emerging dimensions of our strategic partnership. Russia's position as a global leader on energy issues is widely recognised," Singh said at the signing ceremony. Two Russian reactors are already under construction in India, where rapid economic growth is driving a demand for additional supplies of energy. Some of the reactors will be at the Kudankulan nuclear power station in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and others at additional sites, an Indian government official said. The two countries are also exploring Indian investment in the Sakhalin-3 oil and gas exploration blocks in the Pacific. Indian Oil Minister Murli Deora said on Wednesday New Delhi would ask Russia for a stake in the project during Putin's visit. |
| Posted by:ryuge |