Moscow, May 9
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s extended bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin here this afternoon has facilitated the setting up of a joint working group (JWG) for putting in place comprehensive economic cooperation which is not commensurate at present with the strategic relationship between the two countries.

Even as Mr Putin made it clear to Dr Singh that there are no problems in any area in Russia-India relations, the Koondankulam nuclear power issue in Tamil Nadu will be taken up by the host President after the current festivities and any hiccups in this regard as well as Tarapur will be ironed out.

He also assured removing existing deficiencies in the spheres of defence, energy and space cooperation which highlighted the high level of trust between the two countries.

With the energy requirements of India going up, Dr Singh explained that the Union Cabinet has approved a proposed legislation to plug loopholes and allay the misgivings of the nuclear suppliers group.

He told Mr Putin that he expects the legislation to be approved by Parliament next week and there will no problems for the nuclear suppliers group within a month.

‘‘Areas of cooperation will be expanded for which the JWG as suggested by the Prime Minister will study its feasibility. Concrete results encompassing cooperation in nuclear energy are expected soon,’’ National Security Adviser M K Narayanan said here this evening after the 45-minute Putin-Manmohan Singh meeting.

Both the leaders desired enhancing cooperation in space, oil and gas sector, defence and IT among other areas. The JWG will study the entire gamut of economic and commercial relations encompassing trade, investment and cooperation in services and high tech areas as well. In the defence field, joint production and spares back-up is on the anvil.

Describing the Putin-Manmohan Singh bilateral discussions as ‘‘far more productive than anticipated,’’ Mr Narayanan said the significance of this meeting with so many world leaders assembled in the Russian capital cannot be lost sight of. ‘‘The ambience was excellent. Mr Putin drew attention to Dr Singh being the only Indian present in Moscow several times. Russia has always stood by India and will continue to stand by India," Mr Putin declared.

The host President said he was looking forward to President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s visit to Russia later this month even as the Prime Minister informed him that he will be visiting this capital again in November this year for the annual summit meeting.