Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Russia from December 23-24 to hold an annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
This will be Modi’s first state visit to Moscow and the second to Russia. PM Modi had visited Russia’s Ufa in July to participate in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit.
thehindu
During his visit, India is likely to offer a site in Andhra Pradesh to set up units five and six of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) by Russia. This will be in line with PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ programme.
theunrealtimes
Russia, a key partner of India in the civil nuclear energy sector, had offered to build at least 12 nuclear reactors in the country by 2035.
(wikipedia) (Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plan)
Earlier, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom – the Russian counterpart of the India’s Department of Atomic Energy – Nikolai Spasskiy, visited India on December 7-8, where he was believed to have discussed with Sekhar Basu, Secretary DAE, the possible inking of a pact of unit 5 and 6 of the KKNPP during Modi’s Russia visit.
indianexpress
“During the negotiations, the parties discussed issues of final acceptance of Unit 1 of Kudankulam NPP, achievement of the minimum controlled power at Unit 2, beginning of construction of Units 3 and 4, and signing of the general framework agreement for Units 5 and 6, as well as further cooperation development steps,” Rosatom had said.
Russian officials say Russia is moving forward with PM Modi’s Make-in-India programme.
thedailystar
On the defence front, India is likely to sign a deal on the joint-production of 200 Kamov-226T helicopters. Experts are also looking at the possible purchase of five Russian S-400 air defence systems, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council.
(Russian Kamov Ka-226T Helicopter) (YouTube)
Moscow, a key military-technical partner of India, has in recent years lagged behind the US in getting orders in the Indian defence market. India’s drive to manufacture at home will help Russia regain its market share.
(S-400 air defense systems) (sputniknews)
According to DIPP secretary, Amitabh Kant, the pact with Russia will have a ‘Make-in-India’ component.”
The prime minister will also address a cultural event for ‘Friends of India’ at the Expocentre in Moscow on December 24.