Moscow, Dec 23 (PTI): Assuring Russia that it is India's "principal partner" in the defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the two strategic partners are working together for joint manufacture of advanced defence equipment in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.

"Russia has been India's foremost defence partner through decades, accounting for a majority of our defence equipment... Even in the current environment, despite India's improved access to the world market, Russia remains our principal partner," PM Modi told Russian news agency Itar-Taas.

Noting that Russia provided defence equipment to India and international support when few were willing to hold its hands, the Prime Minister said, "Indians will never forget the Russian support that we got when we needed it the most."

India and Russia are likely to ink a number of pacts in a range of sectors including defence and nuclear energy during PM Modi's two-day visit to Moscow beginning today for the annual Summit level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Asserting that the Indo-Russia defence ties have been transformed "from a buyer-seller relationship to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced systems" such as the Brahmos missile, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and T-90 tanks, PM Modi said Russia has the potential to be the leading partner in Make in India mission in defence sector.

"We are soon going to make a beginning in that direction," PM Modi said.

"We are also working together for joint manufacture of defence equipment and components in India under the Make in India initiative," he added.

India's assurance to Russia comes at a time when it has developed close defence ties with the United States, and Russia made overtures to Pakistan in recent months for the first time. On the civil nuclear cooperation, PM Modi said India is committed to construct at least 12 nuclear power plants having highest safety standards in the world with Russian assistance.

"Energy security is critical to India's economic development and Russia is a key partner in this area. Nuclear energy is an important component of our energy security strategy. Russia is currently our leading international partner. Our cooperation with Russia in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a cornerstone of our strategic partnership," he said replying to a question.

"I am glad that the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project has become operational, and is set to expand. I believe our cooperation in the area of nuclear energy will continue to grow. After Kudankulam, we are finalising a second site for Russian-designed reactors in India," he said.

"We have outlined an ambitious vision for nuclear energy and construction of at least 12 reactors, which will have the highest safety standards in the world," PM Modi added.