India has agreed to expeditiously identify a second site, in addition to Kudankulam in southern state of Tamil Nadu, to set up Russian-designed nuclear power units, local TV channels reported Thursday.

The decision was taken as visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, and on the table were some 20 agreements expected to be signed.

"On the table are a variety of issues, in keeping with our multi-faceted relations. The agenda is expansive. It deals with energy ties, nuclear energy co-operation, defense and people to people ties," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said earlier in the day.

This is Putin's first summit with Modi which comes at a time when Russia is at odds with the West over Ukraine, and the visit is also aimed at reviving a historic friendship that has faded over the years, seeking to improve cooperation in energy, defense and nuclear power.

Modi tweeted on Thursday that the "bond between the people of Russia and India is very strong", expressing hopes Putin's visit would take the relationship to "new heights."

The Indian prime minister added: "Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction." Endi

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