India, Russia sign deals on nuclear reactors, fighter planes

India, Russia set target of doubling bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2015.

NEW DELHI: India and Russia signed a raft of agreements Tuesday, including a framework accord on the building of two Russian nuclear reactors, and a pact to design and develop fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The accords were signed following talks in New Delhi between visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Indian Premier Manmohan Singh, during which both sides set a target of doubling bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2015.

The nuclear agreement covered the building of two additional generating units at a nuclear power plant in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where Russia is already setting up two reactors, a joint statement said.

Energy-hungry India is one of the world's biggest markets for nuclear technology with plans to reach a nuclear power capacity of 63,000 megawatts by 2032, from the current level of 4,560 megawatts.

The accord on jointly developing a fifth-generation fighter with stealth capabilities could be worth up to $30 billion, with India planning to bring up to 300 of the aircraft in its air force.

In the joint statement, Russia also voiced its support for India "as a deserving and strong candidate" for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council.