LD PRESIDENT 3 LAST

"It is a very steady and ongoing relationship with
Russia" in the field of defence, Rao said.

Asked whether the Gorshkov deal has failed, she said both
sides would like to reach a mutual agreement and talks were
going on. A delegation from India would be visiting Russia to
carry forward the talks.

On the issue of terrorism, Rao said both leaders felt the
necessity to strengthen cooperation in combating the menace.
She said the situation in Afghanistan also came up for
discussion and India highlighted the developmental partnership
it had with the war-torn nation.

India also expressed its concern over the terrorist
elements based in Pakistan and the need for Islamabad to act
decisively against them, she said.

Describing the bilateral parleys as "complete meeting of
minds", Rao said the two leaders attached great importance to
laying more focus in the field of investments, information
technology, region-to-region ties, education and exchange of
visits by Parliamentarians.

Both leaders also talked about cooperation in the field
of outer space and manned space launch, she said.

Later speaking at a reception in the honour of Patil, the
Russian President said "for India, Russia is not only a proven
friend but a reliable partner as well".

Terming India's relationship with Russia as "unique,"
Patil said that Moscow is "our permanent friend in the
changing world". PTI MS
ANU