Russia would cooperate with India on peaceful use of nuclear energy and the issue would be discussed during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Observing that Russia has been cooperating with India for meeting the latter's nuclear energy needs, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said, "This issue will probably be discussed during President Putin's India visit."

"Our cooperation (with India) will continue on the development of peaceful nuclear energy," Ivanov said in response to questions.

Putin, in an interiew to PTI, has said Moscow would help New Delhi 'directly' in the construction of atomic energy facilities and declared that 'we stand ready to support our Indian friends'.

Cooperation in the construction of new reactors, supply of nuclear fuel and transfer of reprocessing technology are on the anvil during the Russian leader's visit beginning on Thursday.

In this context, Ivanov referred to Russian aid and cooperation in two nuclear plants at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.