Putin hopes Russia-India trade will double by 2015December 24, 2012 - 09:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in India on Monday, Dec 24, said he hopes that by 2015 the two countries will double mutual trade turnover, which is expected to reach over $10 billion this year, RIA Novosti reported. In an interview with The Hindu newspaper, published on the eve of his official visit, Putin said that one of Russia’s foreign policy priorities is the further development of cooperation with India, particularly in trade and investments sector. “Our trade turnover overcame the consequences of the global [economic] crisis and in 2012 we are expecting a record figure of over $10 billion. Our next task is to reach the level of $20 billion by 2015,” Putin said. He added that in order to achieve this task it is necessary to promote formation of investment, technological and industrial alliances in the most dynamic and perspective sectors, particularly in energy sector. President Putin’s negotiations in India are expected to focus among other issues on the construction on the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KNPP) and India’s participation in Russia’s Sakhalin-I project. During the visit, the Russian leader will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pranab Mukherjee and also meet with Indian National Congress Chair Sonia Gandhi and opposition leader Sushma Swaraj. This year Russia and India celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |