New Delhi: India and Russia are working out a “techno-commercial” agreement for the third and fourth reactors of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu but the deal is unlikely to be signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Moscow.
Russia, which already has two 1,000 MW reactors at the Kudankulam plant in Tirunelveli district, has voiced concerns over India’s civil nuclear liability law, it is reliably understood.
Talks would also focus on a possible pipeline project to tap Russia’s huge gas reserves. Both sides are to discuss a “TAPI-like pipeline project for evacuation of Russian gas and oil to India via the land route”, the sources added.
Moscow is concerned about the poor bilateral trade levels, which stands at around $11 billion, and would seek measures to push economic ties. India has invited Russia to invest in the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project.
During the second leg of the prime minister’s journey in China, signing of the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), which aims to prevent face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops along the over 4,000 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), is expected. The blueprint of the BDCA was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security Thursday.
The sources said while India has done its bit by approving the BDCA, Beijing still has to approve the document before both sides can sign it.
IANS
