Putin, Modi meet to talk defense, nuclear, energy tiesDecember 25, 2015 - 10:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, December 24, hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks that focused on defense, nuclear and energy ties, the Associated Press reports. Speaking at the start of their meeting in the Kremlin, Modi lauded Russia for being "a reliable friend" who has "always stood by us." Russia and India have shared close ties since Cold War times, when Moscow was a key ally and the main arms supplier to New Delhi. Putin voiced strong support for New Delhi's aspirations to win a permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council, praising India's "well-balanced and responsible foreign policy course." Trade between India and Russia, just below $10 billion in 2014, fell by more than 14 percent this year. Putin blamed the decline on a drop in global oil prices, Russia's main export commodity, and said the two countries should develop closer industrial cooperation. Russia has built a nuclear reactor at India's Kudankulam nuclear power plant and is now completing a second unit there. Putin said Russia is preparing to start building another two atomic reactors and intends to build 12 nuclear reactors in India over 20 years, according to an earlier agreement. A deal signed by Russian and Indian officials after Thursday's talks envisaged that components for the Russian-built reactors will be produced in India. "The pace of our cooperation in nuclear energy is increasing," Modi said. "The agreement today will increase Indian manufacturing contents in these reactors." Putin said the two countries would also cooperate on designing a next-generation fighter jet and a transport plane. Following the talks, officials from both countries signed a slew of agreements on manufacturing helicopters, prospective joint exploration of Russian oil resources, simplifying visas for businessmen and other issues. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |