JOIN US Meeting for the second time in four months, Singh and Medvedev also discussed ways to push the unique bilateral strategic partnership that covers a wide range of issues, including energy, defence, space and trade and economy.
Briefing reporters, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon said the two leaders discussed the recent events in Japan which was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami triggering radiation threats at a damaged nuclear plant.
Considering that India and Russia have active cooperation in the civil nuclear field, the two leaders discussed the need for international efforts to "re-examine nuclear safety standards and see what can be done internationally besides the internal reviews that both the countries have put in place" in response to the Fukushima episode. "We will go through this process together. We are examining this," Menon said.
He said the two leaders were of the view that despite the concerns, there is no sound alternative economically or environmentally to nuclear energy if security is ensured.
In his opening remarks at the meeting with Medvedev on the eve of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) Summit, Singh noted that "India and Russia have unique strategic partnership which has completed a decade. This is an occasion to celebrate".
"We gained in strength, durability and depth (due to the partnership)," he said and thanked Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for extending the cooperation to almost every conceivable area. "We hope to accomplish more in the next decade," the Prime Minister remarked.
Recalling Medvedev's visit to Delhi in December, Singh termed it as a "landmark" and expressed gratitude to Russia for supporting India's ambitions. Medvedev recalled his visit to India in December and said it was useful and productive.
Singh and Medvedev also discussed international issues like the developments in West Asia and North Africa which have effects on energy security. Deliberations on this will take place further during the BRICS Summit.