PM Singh set for key Russia talks

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Indian PM Manmohan Singh is due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks to boost economic and military ties between the two countries.

Mr Singh is in Moscow for a two-day visit, the latest in a series of yearly meetings between the leaders of the two traditional allies.

The two countries have had close links since Soviet times and India remains a leading buyer of Russian weaponry.

Russia is currently bidding to supply more than 120 fighter planes to Delhi.

"Russia occupies a special and unique place in the Indian foreign policy," Mr Singh was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Ties between the two countries will rise "to new levels", he said.

The two sides are expected to sign an agreement under which Russia would build four nuclear reactors in India, according to reports. Russia is already building a civilian nuclear power plant in India.

Russia and India are discussing collaborating on the next generation of fighter jets and medium-range transport aircraft.

The two countries are also rapidly deepening co-operation in the energy sector.

Though ties between the two countries are strong, the relationship faces new challenges, including competition from the West and the growing economic and military might of China.