Manmohan, Medvedev pledge to scale up civil nuclear ties

New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday held talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on a host of bilateral issues that included scaling up civil nuclear cooperation and enhancing trade ties.

The two leaders held talks on the margins of the fourth annual BRICS summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa held here.

This is the last visit of Medvedev to India as Russian president before he makes way for president-elect Vladimir Putin in May.

The two leaders reaffirmed their cooperation on the Russia-aided Kudankulam nuclear plant that is facing agitation amid safety concerns raised by NGOs in Tamil Nadu.

Work was stalled at the plant but has resumed recently.

Manmohan Singh assured Medvedev that despite the agitation the work on the nuclear plant will continue according to the roadmap outlined in 2010.

They also discussed the agreements for the units III and IV of the Kudankulam nuclear plant that will enhance the civil nuclear ties between the two countries.

The pacts were "almost ready", Russian Ambassador Alexander M. Kadakain said in an interview early this week.

Medvedev who arrived here Wednesday was conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by Jawaharlal Nehru University.

His visit coincided with the celebrations to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Moscow.