Medvedev visit: deals to rival China, US on table

CNN-IBN
Updated Dec 21, 2010 at 10:31am IST

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New Delhi: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev touched down early Tuesday morning on a two-day visit during which the two sides are expected to sign over a dozen agreements, including a key pact on Moscow building more nuclear reactors in India.

Military, nuclear and business deals to rival China and the US are on the agenda as Russian President Dmitry Medvedev meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Russian President's visit will be another big ticket visit with trade and business agreements expected to boost bilateral commerce to $ 20 billion.

Manmohan Singh and Medvedev will discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues, including the expansion of civil nuclear cooperation, the intensification of bilateral economic ties, global terrorism and the international financial crisis.

The two sides are set to sign over 15 agreements, including key pacts on jointly producing a multi-billion dollar fifth generation jet fighter and Moscow's plans to build more nuclear reactors in India after the leaders of the two sides hold talks on Tuesday.

The Russian leader will go to Agra and Mumbai on Wednesday. In Mumbai, Medvedev will stay at The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, one of the main targets of Nov 26-29, 2008 terror attack, and pay homage to victims of the carnage. He will also go to Film City, where he will interact with Bollywood stars.

What to expect

India will be making a formal offer of a second site for Russian Nuclear-reactors.

The two leaders may sign an agreement on the design of the 5th Generation Fighter.

Other defence agreements deemed too sensitive to be made public.

A follow-up agreement on use of the GLONASS satellite navigation system will also be on the table.

Agreement on space co-operation will also be on the agenda.

(With IANS inputs)

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