No trilateral wargame with China, Russia: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said there was no proposal to conduct trilateral military exercise between India, China and Russia.

"There is no such proposal to that effect," Dr Singh, who had on Tuesday said there existed enormous possibilities in expanding trilateral and bilateral relations with Russia and China, told mediapersons on board his special aircraft while returning home concluding his tour to Russia.

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On the prospects of a trilateral cooperation between Russia-China-India, Dr Singh had said that the three countries were among the fastest-growing economies.

"We, therefore, believe that there are enormous possibilities in expanding our relations bilaterally and trilaterally. We need to explore both business and trade to exploit vast potential of cooperation that undoubtedly existed," he had said.

India and Russia had successfully completed joint military exercises in October this year during the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov.

Asked about Bharatiya Janata Party's criticism that he always slammed the Opposition while on foreign land, Dr Singh quipped, "I am now speaking in our territory (on board the country's aircraft)."

The prime minister, who expressed regret for low volume of trade between India and Russia, said he had taken up the complaint of Indian businessmen that there were difficulties in getting business visa and tourist visa.

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"I hope something will be done to overcome this difficulty," he said.

Claiming that his visit to Russia had helped to reach several milestones, he said a new concept of matters relating to cooperation in defence and energy had emerged.

In this context, he pointed out that a joint working group would be constituted to give shape to a comprehensive cooperation in defence and energy.

"I think we have broken new grounds in civilian nuclear energy," Dr Singh said.

Asked if he had got any assurance with regard to supply of reactors to Tarapur, Dr Singh said the discussion centred around all issues relevant only to civilian nuclear power.

Complete Coverage: PM's trip to Russia