Russia to set up 12 N-units in India; Putin, Modi hold talks

New Delhi, Dec 11: India and Russia Thursday took a major step forward in their civil nuclear energy cooperation with both sides inking a strategic vision document for the construction of 12 new nuclear power units in India over the next two decades as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held summit talks with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin here. The two sides inked 16 agreements, including in the sphere of defence cooperation, oil and gas and in trade, after the holding of the 15th India-Russia annual summit. Modi, reading out a statement after the talks, said both sides have outlined an "ambitious vision for nuclear energy of at least 10 more reactors". Putin, who read out his statement after Modi, said Russia and India have signed an important statement on nuclear energy cooperation and Russia would set up "20 nuclear units" in India and also cooperate in uranium mining. According to the vision document on nuclear energy cooperation: "The two sides have decided to fast-track the implementation of agreed cooperation projects for Nuclear Power Plants. Both Sides will strive to complete the construction and commissioning of not less than 12 units in the next two decades." India has agreed to "expeditiously identify a second site, in addition to Kudankulam, for the construction of the Russian-designed nuclear power units in India. The sides will join their expertise and resources to minimise the total cost and time of construction of nuclear power units", it said.