Russia to pursue India's case with NSG (Putin Trumps Bush)

[Flabbergasted]

Moscow: Ahead of his New Delhi visit, President Vladimir Putin has said Russia will "directly" help India in construction of atomic energy facilities.

"We stand ready to support our Indian friends. We intend to help India directly in the construction of atomic energy facilities for peaceful use. On top of that, some of our companies are very much interested in acquiring large contracts for construction of new facilities," he said in a 90-minute interview to PTI here. Mr. Putin's two-day visit to India starts on Thursday.

In a clear statement that Russia would pursue India's case with the Nuclear Suppliers Group for ensuring fuel supplies, he said: "On various occasions we provided India with nuclear fuel. And we will help India settle her problems in international affairs with the proviso that Russia will abide by international obligations."

Mr. Putin, however, declined to spell out the agreements that would be inked during his visit.

"This is exactly what we are going to discuss there. Do you want me to tell the whole story? Then what should we do in the course of our negotiations," he said when asked whether more reactors were likely to be set up in the Russia-aided Koondankulam project in Tamil Nadu and whether agreements would cover fuel supply and reprocessing technology.

During the visit, Russia is expected to finalise an agreement on giving four more reactors for the Koondankulam project.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/24/stories/2007012409861400.htm