Russia, India discuss site for constructing second NPP in India, says Russian Dy PM

Russia and India discussed the possibility of designating a site to construct another Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in India, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said on Friday.

"We will continue to cooperate in the area of construction and maintenance of Russia-designed NPP. We have discussed the possibility of designating a new site for the construction of another such plant," Borisov told reporters after the Inter-Governmental Commission's meeting between Russia and India. He noted that the two countries had certain disagreements on where to place units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam NPP, but would be decided soon.

Borisov also said that Russia and India will increase number of transactions in national currencies. The Ruble's share in bilateral transactions totals 20 per cent now.

"Solutions to this situation will be linked to increasing the number of transactions in national currencies, although today the share of transactions in Rubles is at 20 per cent for exports, and about 21 per cent for imports," Borisov said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy PM added that preparations are underway to sign intergovernmental memorandums on construction of the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline with the participation of the Russian side.

"This project requires the relevant intergovernmental memorandums to be signed. Active work in this direction is underway. I think, they will be signed in the near future. This will create the basis for the practical implementation of this project," Borisov said.