Russia, India sign oil, gas, nuclear energy deals

The Russian and Indian foreign ministers signed an agreement on easing visa requirements for certain categories of citizens. The countries' governments have also agreed on joint cooperation in emergency situations.

Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko and Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora have inked an intergovernmental agreement on developing cooperation in the oil and gas sphere.

The sides also signed a memorandum on widening cooperation in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. An agreement was reached to establish a joint technological center.

Russia's ministry of industry and trade and India's ministry of chemical industry and fertilizers have signed a memorandum on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies.

Russian petrochemical giant Sibur and India's Reliance Group have agreed on establishing a joint venture on producing butyl rubber in Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version