PM’s visit: India sounds out Russia over N-fuel

With the July 18 Indo-US nuclear deal gradually easing restrictions on India, New Delhi has sounded Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan ...

With the July 18 Indo-US nuclear deal gradually easing restrictions on India, New Delhi has sounded Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Russia visit that it can be the first country to do nuclear business with India by agreeing to supply fuel for the Tarapur reactors.

Singh, who reaches Moscow tomorrow, will discuss the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin besides expecting a firm response to a Russian commitment to supply two more 1000 MW reactors for Koodankulam.

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar, part of the delegation, will also discuss the issue with Russian officials. India is keen on Russian initiative in civilian nuclear cooperation as the Nuclear Suppliers Group works on easing restrictions. Sources said that it was important because French President Jacques Chirac was slated to visit India in mid-February, same time when US President George W Bush might visit India. A firm movement on civilian nuclear cooperation is expected during the visits adding to the urgency that Russia takes the step before other nuclear powers.

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On the space front, India will sign an agreement to join the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONAS), Russian answer to the US Global Positioning System. Moscow has agreed to India using the system for ‘‘peace and security’’.

Interestingly, EU project Galileo, awaiting launch, does not permit India to use the system during conflicts. Therefore, GLONAS, though technologically not that superior, will allow India greater flexibility.

Besides, the agreement will set rolling a high-technology partnership to upgrade the GLONAS, put more satellites and increase effectiveness. In strengthening the existing network, India can help in launching satellites besides setting up ground stations. ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair, travelling with the PM, will discuss India’s possible role in furthering the project.

The leaders will discuss international issues and Iran will be one of them. On December 6, when the PM is there, the EU-3 is expected to restart negotiations with Iran along with Russia participation.