Sanctions-hit Russia got both business and support at the annual summit-level talks with India. A joint statement, issued after nearly three-hour long talks that also included half-an-hour restricted dialogue between the visiting
Russian president Vladimir Putin and prime minister Narendra Modi, stated that both countries oppose West-imposed economic sanctions that don't have the approval of the UN Security Council.
Experts believe it a significant statement to stand up against the West and support old friend Russia, in the wake of the visit of US president Barack Obama next month and Modi's visit to Germany to woo Western companies to agree to participate in his Make in India mission. The joint statement also drew parallels between the violent acts in Jammu and Kashmir in India and Chechnya in Russia, committing to work together for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
Both countries also decided to build at least 10 more nuclear reactors. "We have outlined an ambitious vision for nuclear energy of at least 10 more reactors," PM Modi said at a joint press briefing. President Putin in his brief media interaction said, the number could go up to 20.
Russia has supplied two reactors to a plant at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu under a long-delayed agreement, and has been pushing to supply many more after deals were signed in 2010 and 2008.
The two countries also signed 20 agreements including a deal for Russia to manufacture in India one of its most advanced helicopters and a proposal to set up factories to make Russian spare parts for military equipment.
Modi said the Russian president has also positively responded the request to locate manufacturing facilities in India for spares and components for Russian defence equipment. Russia has traditionally supplied 70 per cent of India's military hardware.
Bilateral trade, at $10 billion, is now one-ninth of that between Russia and China. India has voiced its concern over Moscow's recent military cooperation pact with Pakistan, fearing the arms may be used against India. Brining stability in Afghanistan was also discussed.
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