Russia [Images] expects to sign new contracts with India on the production of equipment for nuclear power plants, a senior minister has said.

"Russia is a traditional supplier of equipment for nuclear power plants in India," First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov was quoted as saying on Monday.

He said Russia produces equipment for the nuclear power station in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

"We expect that we shall shortly get new contracts for the construction of power units both at that site and at new ones, as India needs additional energy facilities," the top Russian official said.

Ivanov stressed, "Russia enjoys traditionally good relations with India, and not only in the energy sector".

"The recent talks demonstrated that India still regards Russia as a reliable partner, as all stations we have built up till now work fairly well, and there have been no claims to us," the minister said.