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Russia To Build Four More Nuclear Reactors In India
January 25, 2007
Russian President Putin (left) with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today (epa)
January 25, 2007 -- Russia and India have signed a memorandum of understanding to have Russia build four new nuclear reactors in India.
The document was signed by the heads of the Russian and Indian nuclear agencies after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today.
Russia is currently helping India build two nuclear reactors in the southern town of Kudankulam. The document signed today said the four new reactors would be built at Kudankulam and other sites. No timetable was specified.
"We consider extremely important the accomplishment of the project on the construction of the Indian nuclear power plant in Kudamkulam," Putin said. "We intend to further develop bilateral cooperation in the area of the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
Today's agreement comes after India last year signed a civilian nuclear-cooperation deal with the United States, which gives India long-denied access to U.S. nuclear technology and equipment.
Nuclear cooperation was among the most important issues on the agenda of Putin's January 25-26 visit to India.
(compiled from agency reports)