Russian Prez to visit India by end of 2006

Vladimir Putin will visit India at the end of this year to discuss terrorism and other bilateral issues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is to visit India at the end of this year during which co-operation in various fields, especially in the fight against terrorism, will be discussed.

HT Image

"There will be a considerable increase in bilateral co-operation between both countries this year.

In this regard, the Chariman of the Russian government will soon be visiting New Delhi to prepare the ground for the visit of President Vladimir Putin by the end of this year," Counsellor (Political) of the Russian Embassy here Valery T Khodzhaev said on the sidelines of a function on Friday.

The dates for the Presidential visit are being worked out at the highest levels, he said adding that energy security, strategies for jointly fighting epidemics and co-operation in the field of education will also be on the agenda besides counter-terrorism.

Earlier, speaking at a seminar on 'Indo-Russian Diplomatic Relations -- A Vision to Strategic Partnership,' Khodzhaev said Russia, which does not have a long democratic history when compared to India, could "take valuable lessons" from New Delhi in strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

Zafar Mahmood, Officer on Special Duty in the PMO, who also spoke at the seminar, said "much progress" was being achieved regarding the recent agreements reached between both countries, including the 'Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Co-operation.'

The seminar was organised by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Indo-Russian Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Co-operation in 1971.