Russia to build four nuclear reactors in India

25 January 2007

Two Russian reactors are already under construction in India. According to a joint statement four more will be built at the Kudankulam nuclear power station in Tamil Nadu -- provided the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers' Group lifts its restrictions on India this year.

Analysts say the deal signals that Russia has no intention of being left behind in the race to win nuclear contracts with India, after the signing of the US civilian nuclear agreement in to a law by president George W Bush.

"We consider as extremely important, completion of the construction project in Kudankulam," said President Vladmir Putin, during a joint press conference with Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

The visiting president added that the two countries would continue cooperation in the area of peaceful use of atomic energy.

The prime minister said discussions with President Putin had reconfirmed that "our strategic partnership is based on deep convergence of vital national interests," while announcing that the two countries have signed a joint statement on cooperation in the field of atomic energy.