PTI reported that Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh welcomed Russia's impending entry into the WTO even as he voiced concern over the current Indo Russian trade volume of USD nine billion being far below its potential.

Dr Singh while addressing the CEOs of Captains of Russian and Indian industry said “India warmly welcomes Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation.”

Dr Singh said at a time of a global economic slowdown, when traditional engines of growth are in difficulty, the Indian and Russian economies can be natural partners in reviving growth, creating infrastructure and generating surpluses.

Dr Singh also said that India is keen to enter into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Customs Union comprising Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and that it has already decided to set up a Joint Study Group in this regard.

(Sourced from PTI)