| Date: |
09-12-2014 |
| Subject: |
Russia may set up 20-24 nuclear energy units in India: Envoy |
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NEW DELHI: Less than two months before Barack Obama's presence in Delhi as the Republic Day Chief Guest, Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin would unveil on Dec 11 a grand vision document to meet India's energy needs and boost trade and investment ties across wide-ranging sectors including a deal on sovereign fund notwithstanding a recent veiled threat from US official of the risks of doing business with Moscow.
The fast changing geo-political scenario has seen Delhi getting closer to US while Moscow has reached out to Islamabad, raising speculations of a Russia-China-Pakistan triangle in a new world order. But what could be music to India's ears two days ahead of Putin's arrival, Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin today dispelled India's fears on military sales to Pakistan.
"The frame work agreement which was signed with Pakistan does not envisage any immediate supply. It is just a framework agreement which we have with many countries. Never ever will Russia do anything to the detriment to the security of India, a close and old friend," Kadakin assured.
Kadakin also took potshots at the western powers, saying the Summit is taking place "against the background of a burdened international milieu, when we face increasing pressure of the US and their allies, trying to force our country to succumb its state sovereignty and act against our own national interests". He was quick to add that Russia was not jealous over invitation to Obama for the Republic Day celebrations. "India is rich fiancee with many bridegrooms," Kadakin quipped.
Amid this keen to maintain a balance in its foreign policy, and refusing to be a party to Western sanctions against old ally Russia, the Narendra Modi government is taking a pragmatic approach to boost its economic and strategic interests. Putin's maiden to visit to India for the annual summit since the change of guard in Delhi would see energy cooperation topping the agenda that could go a long way in meeting energy needs of this country. The vision document that will be unveiled during Putin's 20-hour-business like visit will be guiding principle for cooperation over the next decade.
Besides, road map on nuclear energy that could see Russia setting up 20-24 nuclear plants in India, stakes in oil fields will also be offered to Delhi, Kadakin informed. Russia has world's highest oil reserves. The Ambassador said Russia was also expecting from the Indian side the name of the new site for another "cascade of nuclear power units". Besides to further expand defence ties, Russia is keen to set up defence service centre in India for supply of spare-parts for defence equipment bought from Moscow.
Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com
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