Russia to cooperate with India in nuclear energy
Friday, 03 December 2004, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: Russia Friday announced its willingness to cooperate with India in nuclear energy to ensure the country's energy security "with due regard to their commitment to non-proliferation norms". Noting that nuclear power plants offered a pollution-free and substantial source of energy for sustainable development, a Joint Declaration issued by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed their commitment to continue cooperation in this field. "Energy constitutes an important part of the bilateral relationship. Considering the expanding energy requirements of India, both sides stress the need for employing resources that are environment-friendly and available in sufficient quantities," it said. Noting that nuclear power plants offered a pollution-free and substantial source of energy for sustainable development, the declaration expressed the two countries' commitment to continue cooperation in this field. Russia is assisting India in the setting up of two 1,000 MW nuclear power plants in Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu. Negotiations are on for two more similar plants. "Both sides are determined to continue their cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, incorporating innovative technologies to ensure energy security, with due regard to their commitments to non-proliferation norms," the statement said. They recognised the considerable scope for cooperation in the hydroelectric and thermal power sectors and noted that Russia was a major exporter of oil and gas and that India was emerging as a large consumer. They affirmed their desire to cooperate in the development of new oil and gas fields and the means of their transportation in Russia, India and other countries. "Both sides agree to encourage and assist investments in the energy sector by Indian companies in Russia and those by Russian companies in this sector in India."
Source: IANS
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