India to raise ties with Russia in defence and nuclear sector

India & Russia are likely to sign six agreements, including ,co-developing , producing a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's 2 day visit beginning December 21.

Another agreement would be in the civil nuclear sphere where India & Russia will seek to fill in more details under the agreement signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to Moscow last year. India is willing to shift the Russian nuclear site from West Bengal.India & Russia are also expected to ink pacts in space and trade,  two areas where both have made tentative beginnings and want substantial cooperation to take place.

In particular Russia will be seeking to address the hesitation by its banks to get involved in a big way. A mega diamond company Alrosa has already entered into deals with Indian companies and is looking to take the partnership forward.