Indian PM heads to Russia, China

India’s Manmohan Singh embarks on one of his last major foreign trips as prime minister today, heading to Russia and China to strengthen trade ties and address a long-running border dispute.

The 81-year-old, who is expected to stand down after elections next year, will look to clinch energy, defence and other economic deals in both countries as New Delhi tries to boost trade and investment to kick-start sluggish growth.

India, which is spending billions of dollars upgrading its military hardware, has been Russia’s top arms customer for years, but relations have frayed over delays and cost-overruns.

Both countries will be looking to seal accords on the next phase of a Russian-built nuclear power project on India’s southern coast. The project is designed to help meet India’s surging demand for electricity, but has been dogged by delays and protests over safety.