Russia endorses Indo-US civilian nuke energy pact

Russia has appreciated the recent deal between India and the United States on civilian nuclear energy.

Russia has appreciated the recent deal between India and the United States on civilian nuclear energy and the movement towards cooperation in relaxation of rules of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, of which it is a member.

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The endorsement of the civilian nuclear energy deal reached during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the US in July came during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Singh on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session at United Nations on Thursday.

The Russian President said Singh's visit to the US in July would further improve cooperation between New Delhi and Washington in civilian nuclear energy area, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters.

He said in this context Russia's cooperation with India in civilian nuclear energy was recalled, in particular the cooperation relating to Kudankulam project, which is nearing completion.

On the issue of defence cooperation between India and Russia, which was based on traditional good ties between the two countries, the proposed visit of the Russian Defence Minister to India came up for discussion.

The visits of Russian Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Russian Upper House also figured during discussions.