Cooperation between India and Russia is expected to receive a major boost in various fields, including energy and space during the two-day visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov who arrived in New Delhi Thursday.
Supply of nuclear equipment by Russia for construction of Kudankulam plant, besides uranium to Tarapur reactor are expected to be high on the agenda of the talks Fradkov will have with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi Friday.
The Russian prime minister, who is accompanied by his wife Elina, was warmly received at the Palam Technical Airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.
Taking place in the backdrop of Russia's decision to provide uranium to Tarapur plant, the visit is also likely to see the two countries sign a deal with regard to supply of the fuel.
The Kudankulam Atomic Power plant is being built in Tamil Nadu with Russian help.
As per an agreement of 2001, Russia, besides designing the plant, had committed to supply 90 per cent of the equipment and materials.
The units I and II of the plant are scheduled to be operational by 2007 and 2008 respectively.
India feels the construction may not be completed by the targeted date and wants Russia to expedite supply of materials, official sources said in New Delhi adding, this issue will be raised during Fradkov's meeting with Dr Singh.
Once completed, the two reactors are expected to generate 2,000 mw of power.
The two sides are also expected to sign a deal for supply of 60 metric tonnes of urgently-needed uranium for Tarapur Atomic Power Station.