MEA: These important agreements were signed during the Foreign Minister's visit to Russia, know why the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is important

Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar's visit to Russia has been completed. Many important agreements were signed between the two countries during the visit which lasted from 25-29 December. The Indian Foreign Ministry has said that during the visit of the Foreign Minister to Russia, an agreement has been signed between the two countries regarding the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Besides, important agreements have also been signed in the field of pharmaceuticals and health. A protocol of consultations has been signed between the two countries in the Foreign Ministries.

The Foreign Ministry released the information

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the Foreign Minister met President Vladimir Putin in Russia. Also held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Foreign Minister of Russia and discussed important issues. In these meetings, discussions were held on enhancing bilateral cooperation on trade and economic issues as well as energy, defense, connectivity, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Both countries have agreed to negotiate a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Zone and both countries can start talks in this direction by the end of January 2024. In Russia, the Foreign Minister said that despite major changes in world politics, relations between India and Russia remain stable, and due to geopolitics and strategic reasons, relations between the two countries will always remain positive.

Jaishankar also met President Putin

Jaishankar also met President Putin during his visit to Russia. During this meeting, the Russian President invited PM Modi to visit Russia next year. India and Russia meet annually and so far 21 such meetings have taken place. However, the last conference between the leaders of the two countries was held in December 2021 and since then this meeting has been postponed for one reason or the other. Putin also praised PM Modi in this meeting.

Why is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant important?

Let us tell you that Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is being built in Tamil Nadu with the technical help of Russia. Its construction started in the year 2002 and its 1000 MW capacity power unit has been functioning since 2016. This plant is expected to start operating at full capacity by the year 2027. Kudankulam is the largest nuclear power plant in the country. The cost of the first phase of this nuclear plant, being jointly built by India's NPCIL and Russia's Rosatom, is around Rs 140 billion. The total cost of the entire construction is 16 billion dollars.

Tamil Nadu will get 50 percent of the electricity generated from the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant i.e. 925 MW. Karnataka will get 442 MW, Kerala will get 266 MW and Puducherry will get 67 MW. 15 percent of the power generated from this power plant will not be allocated and will be linked to the central pool.

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