What are the potential growth sectors for Indian trade in Russia?
Areas like telecommunications, electronics, aeronautics, medicine, mining facilities, newsprint, cooking and metallurgical coal are all potential areas of cooperation. Banking is another sector where the scope is tremendous. IT is, of course, a sector where we offer considerable expertise. What about the energy sector? That can be the biggest success story. India has already invested about two billion dollars in Sakhalin I, the largest foreign investment by India. Given the right conditions, India can invest more in the sector, as India would be looking for more energy security and Russia would be a safe partner. Russia has already invested in the Koodankulam project. As and when the Indian energy sector opens up, Russia will have a headstart. Russia is also interested in the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline even as it builds its own pipelines in Siberia. Any major hurdles that you see on the way to better economic ties? The visa situation is a major concern at the moment. Due
