21 Oct 2009 13:02

Russia, India agree to boost ties in fuel and energy sector

MOSCOW. Oct 21 (Interfax) - Russian and Indian officials have agreed to speed up the development of bilateral relations in the fuel and energy sector, says a protocol signed after the 15th session of the two countries' governmental commission for trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation.

"The parties noted the acquisition of oil and gas assets in the Tomsk region by the ONGC Videsh Ltd company and agreed to continue discussing the possibility of Russian companies' participation in projects in India's fuel and energy sector, as well as Indian companies' possible role in exploring Russia's fuel and energy resources," the protocol says.

India's nuclear power sector also holds great promise for bilateral cooperation, the participants in the session said.

The two countries' officials also discussed the drafting of contracts on the construction of the third and fourth power generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, as well as the start of talks on plans to build nuclear power plants at other sites in India with Russia's help.