News / India

Russia to build 12 nuclear reactors in India: Modi

Friday, 25 December 2015 6:30 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 25 December 2015 6:35 AM ]

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) welcomes Indian PM Narendra Modi during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, December 24, 2015. (Photo by AFP)M

Russia has agreed to build 12 new nuclear reactors across India through 20 years to meet the South Asian country’s rising energy needs, the Indian premier says.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement after talks with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday.

Of the 12 nuclear reactors to be built by 2035, two will be constructed at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in the Tirunelveli district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

A site is also expected to be designated in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh for some of the remaining reactors.

The administration of Modi plans to have the nuclear reactors built across India in a bid to meet the country’s increasing energy needs.

After the meeting with Modi, Putin said the talks on civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries remain one of the most important aspects of discussion.

The Russian president said the two nations also plan to jointly build a new type of fighter jet and transport aircraft as well.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Front-L) and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a meeting with Russian and Indian businessmen at the Kremlin in Moscow, December 24, 2015. (Photo by AFP)

The Indian premier arrived in Russia on a two-day visit to attend the 16th India-Russia annual summit and sign a number of bilateral multi-billion-dollar defense and nuclear deals.

Russia and India have had close ties since India gained its independence in 1947.

India serves as an alternative, fast-growing outlet for Russian exports amid US-led sanctions against Moscow over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir