Narendra Modi to Vladimir Putin: Russia has been 'a pillar of strength' for India’s development

New Delhi: After annual summit talks between visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries signed 20 documents, including agreements and MoUs, on Thursday in the fields of defence, nuclear energy and hydrocarbon exploration.

Talks between Mr Modi and Mr Putin focused on strengthening friendship.

India hailed Russia as its “most important defence partner” despite “options” having increased (a reference to India’s growing defence ties with countries such as the United States), adding that Russia has been “a pillar of strength” for India’s development.

“Both sides will strive to complete the construction and commissioning of not less than 12 units in the next two decades, in accordance with the agreement of 2008...strengthening cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy” a joint statement issued by the two countries stated.

It also mentioned that the “India has agreed to expeditiously identify a second site, in addition to Kudankulam, for the construction of Russian-designed nuclear power units.”