India and Russia discuss regional security, terrorism

Moscow, Sep. 3 (ANI): Visiting Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and her Russian counterpart Dmitry A. Medvedev met in the Green Reception Room of The Grand Kremlin Palace on Thursday.

The two leaders discussed regional security, Mumbai terror attacks, terrorism, and Afghanistan besides issues of bilateral and multi-lateral importance to both countries.

India and Russia noted that there were ample opportunities to further existing relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of space, energy including hydrocarbons and peaceful use of nuclear energy, high technologies, and military-techno cooperation.

The two sides also realised the fact that given the potential for economic cooperation that exists between the two countries, the levels of bilateral cooperation remain much below potential.

Both Patil and Medvedev called upon the private sectors in their respective countries to take a lead on this issue.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation to further strengthen the relation in future.

During the delegation-level talks, it was agreed to achieve the bilateral trade targets worth 10 billion US dollars by 2010.

President Patil also talked about the significance of women empowerment, which was heartily appreciated by President Medvedev, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told media.

The talks were held in a frank and friendly environment keeping in mind the strategic partnership between India and Russia.

A significant sidelight of today's meeting in the Kremlin were famous songs from Bollywood movies-Mera Naam Joker, Shri 420, and others in which popular actor Raj Kapoor featured. Pankaj Choudhary(ANI)