India, Russia discuss bi-lateral nuclear agreement

New Delhi: With government-to-government accords with France and the United States already in the bag, India has now engaged Russia, another global player in the supply of nuclear fuel and technology, in discussions for bi-lateral trade in this sector. The country had earlier secured clearances, or one-time exceptions, from international bodies, such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), which was a pre-requisite for India before it could enter into bi-lateral agreements with other countries.

Discussions here between Indian external affairs minister, Pranab Mukherjee, and Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, are aimed at securing a bi-lateral agreement between both countries for the supply of nuclear fuel, technology and construction of reactors. The discussions are aimed at securing an agreement ahead of a visit to this country by Russian president Dmitri Medvedev in December.

Formal agreements in this sector are expected to be signed in the course of this visit.

"We discussed prospects for future bilateral cooperation in the field," Mukherjee informed the media after talks with Lavrov lasting 90 minutes. Though no details emerged after discussions, very likely talks would have covered construction of an additional four nuclear reactors at Kudankulam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Russia is already constructing two 1000MWe reactors here, and judging by statements made earlier in the year by Russian officials they would be interested in constructing larger numbers in the country.

The Indian minister took advantage of the occasion to thank the Russian federation for its support during the highly contentious NSG and IAEA votes on grant of a waiver for India.

Minister Lavrov, welcoming the NSG waiver for India, pointed out the country's responsible behaviour on the non-proliferation front.