PAR-RUSSIA 2

Krishna pointed out that Russia is already supplying
uranium under an existing arrangement. "Both the sides have
undertaken to explore and develop uranium deposits," he said.

He noted that India and Russia have an agreement of 1998
for cooperation in the construction of two 1000 MW nuclear
plants in India. In December last year, the two sides firmed
up a pact for four additional units at Kudankulum, he added.
India recently allocated one more site at Haripur in West
Bengal for nuclear power reactors supplied by Russia.
Russia's desire to intensify R and D cooperation is
reflective of India's achievement in nuclear science and
technology, the External Affairs Minister said.
Replying to queries on Gorshkov deal, Krishna said the
matter was discussed along with other defence issues during
the Prime Minister's visit to Moscow from December 6-8.
He said a Russian team was here last week and negotiations
are on. "We have moved very close... we have reached the final
stage of price issue. Once that is done, it will become
operational," Krishna said.
India and Russia had reached an agreement in 2004 for
supply of Gorshkov aircraft carrier for 1.5 billon dollars.
However, two years back, Russia wanted revision of the price
to 2.7 billion dollars, leading to a deadlock on the issue
which the two sides are trying to end.
He said cooperation in defence remains an important
element of India-Russia relationship which has moved far
beyond a simple buyer-seller equation to encompass joint
design and production of defence equipment. (MORE) PTI ASI
MYR


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