In first high-level engagement after NDA government came to power, India and Russia today held wide-ranging talks covering entire gamut of bilateral relationships covering ties in key sectors like defence, trade, hydrocarbons and nuclear energy.



In the nearly four-hour-long talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry O Rogozin, both sides agreed to give a fresh momentum to trade ties and decided to set up a study group to examine feasibility of a free trade agreement between India and the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.



"There were detailed and extensive discussions on all aspects of our bilateral relationship. The talks were warm, cordial besides being wide ranging," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.



The Indian side raised the issue of Russia's decision to sell Mi-35 attack helicopters to Pakistan.



"The question regarding our defence cooperation and any issues that impact this in terms of our concern were raised," the Spokesperson said, adding there was a detailed discussion on defence matters.



He said the principal focus of their interactions was on trying to improve the untapped potential between India and Russia in terms of the economic and commercial engagements.



"India sees Russia as a key partner for our energy security and there was a detailed discussion on possibilities of cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector as well as other areas of energy cooperation," the Spokesperson said.



Both Swaraj and Rogozin also deliberated on cooperation in nuclear energy sector, particularly issues relating to signing of a deal for unit 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP).



The unit 1 of KNPP had attained full capacity of 1000 MW on June 7 while unit 2 is likely to attain criticality by the end of the year.



Asked whether people's opposition in setting up of a nuclear power plant in Haripur in West Bengal was discussed, the Spokesperson said the matter did figure in the talks.



A number of issues relating to KNPP 3 and 4, including seismic studies, were discussed in the delegation level talks.



He said no detailed discussions about the site was discussed but added that if it was not possible to set up the plant there then alternative sites will be found out.



The Russian delegation comprised officials from space, nuclear, trade and defence organisations.



Giving details of discussion on trade, the Spokesperson said the bilateral trade between the two countries is approximately USD 10 billion annually and both sides agreed that it can be enhanced significantly.



Approximately USD 6.5 billion is Russian exports to India and USD 3.5 billion is Indian exports to Russia.



"Among the complementaries that were identified in trying to move ahead in the trade front are hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, diamonds and infrastructure development," the Spokesperson said.



In the meeting, the Indian side also proposed to have a India Trade show in Moscow in September.



"India sees Russia as a key partner for our energy security and there was a detailed discussion on possibilities of cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector as well as other areas of energy cooperation," he said.



The two ministers also worked out on a schedule of meetings for senior level interactions between Russia and India for the rest of the year.



Preparations for the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin scheduled during the course of the year also figured in the meeting.



There was a discussion on people-to-people contacts and the Indian side raised the issue of business visa.



Akbaruddin said the Indian side emphasised on investment by Russia in the infrastructure sector.



Issues related to space cooperation were also discussed in the meeting where presentations were given about potentials in various sectors.