Russia to Build Nuclear Plants in India

Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov has concluded negotiations in New Delhi for Russia to build four more nuclear power plants in India.

We have finalized negotiations in regard to reaching an agreement on cooperation in the construction of additional nuclear power plants in India, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said after meeting with Zubkov, the Hindu newspaper reported Wednesday.

We (also) affirmed our commitment to build on our defense relations, which is an important pillar of our strategic partnership, Singh said.

India’s economic boom has increased the country’s demand for nuclear-generated energy but the country has faced nuclear trade blockade from the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group since its nuclear test in 1998.

The new nuclear cooperation, which must be cleared by the NSG, calls for building four additional reactors at Kudankulam in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the BBC reported. Russia is already building two 1,000 megawatt light-water nuclear power reactors at that location under an agreement reached before 1998.

Separately, the Press Trust of India reported India and Russia agreed to shortlist friendly countries, which will be allowed to import the BrahMos joint venture supersonic missile system, currently under production for the Indian army and navy.