India, Russia sign 20 documents: Oil, nuclear plants, defence high on agenda

New Delhi: Russia will help build at least 12 nuclear reactors in the next two decades and will join the “Make in India” initiative of the Modi government through the manufacture of “advanced” Russian helicopters in India for both civilian and military use.

About 400 of the Kamov Ka-226 twin-engine helicopters could be manufactured initially. Following problems that are being faced, New Delhi has also asked Moscow to establish manufacturing facilities in India for spares and components for Russian defence equipment used by the Indian armed forces.

An MoU that envisages a 10 year-supply of crude oil from the Russians and purchase by India was also inked.

Meanwhile, 12 Indian companies are set to buy diamonds worth $2.1 billion in the next three years directly from a Russian diamond mining giant.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also signed 20 documents, including agreements and MoUs.