Energy high on Indian PM’s agenda in Russia

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said India would enhance ties in a host of areas such as energy with Russia.

This will occur as it seeks to increase bilateral trade with Russia from the current $8.5 billion.

“I will discuss mechanisms to further expand our bilateral cooperation, particularly in the trade, economic and commercial fields,” Manmohan Singh said in his statement ahead of his departure on the three-day visit.

“Our relations encompass diverse sectors, including nuclear energy, defence, space, science and technology, hydrocarbons, trade and investment and people-to-people exchanges,” the prime minister said without dwelling on the recent protests over nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu being built with Russian assistance.

In Moscow, the prime minister he is to hold a summit meet with President Dmitry Medvedev on issues such as nuclear energy and hydrocarbons, apart from overseeing the signing of several pacts.

Manmohan Singh said India’s bilateral relations with Russia were based on “mutual trust, friendship and shared interests” and encompass diverse sectors, including nuclear energy, defence, space, science and technology, hydrocarbons, trade and investment and people-to-people exchanges.