India-Russia energy ties set for expansion as technical teams hold talks: MEA
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India and Russia are engaged in discussions to strengthen and expand cooperation in the energy sector, with New Delhi describing energy ties as an important pillar of its broader bilateral partnership with Moscow.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two countries have a longstanding relationship in the energy sector, including nuclear power, with the Kudankulam nuclear project serving as a key example of bilateral cooperation.
"The energy cooperation between India and Russia is an important pillar of our partnership. Both countries have been collaborating in the energy sector for a long time, including in the field of nuclear energy. The Kudankulam project is a successful example of India-Russia collaboration in the energy sector," Jaiswal said during the MEA's biweekly press briefing in New Delhi.
Technical teams hold consultations
India is seeking to broaden its energy engagement with Russia, with technical teams from both countries holding consultations on different aspects of the partnership.
"We would like to further strengthen and expand this energy cooperation with Russia. Both sides have been in discussions, and technical teams have been engaged in consultations on various aspects of cooperation," Jaiswal said.
The development comes as India continues to focus on strengthening its energy security and maintaining diversified partnerships across the energy sector amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Modi-Putin meeting reviewed bilateral ties
The MEA's comments follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 11 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
According to the MEA, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation covering trade, energy, defence, space and people-to-people ties.
The two sides agreed to remain engaged on strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which New Delhi said has continued to grow despite geopolitical uncertainties.
Putin invites Modi to Russia
Putin also invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, with the dates of the visit to be decided through diplomatic channels.
The proposed summit is expected to provide another platform for the two countries to review progress in key areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy, trade and other strategic sectors.