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Putin visit aims to boost India ties
MOSCOW, Russia -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin is continuing his Asian tour in India with a visit expected to focus on strengthening economic and anti-terrorist ties between the former Cold War allies. The Russian leader arrived in New Delhi Tuesday night, kicking off a three-day visit with a private dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The visit is being held amid tight security with police saying they are concerned that Islamic militants might try to launch an attack during Putin's stay in India. Putin arrived in the Indian capital from Beijing, where he held two days of talks with China's new generation of leaders. That visit was seen as an effort by both sides to build on common interests in containing U.S. domination in world affairs.(Putin upbeat) Putin is expected to discuss those concerns with Indian leaders as well during his stay on the subcontinent. Another focus of talks will be on what India says is Pakistan's sponsorship of cross-border terrorism in Indian Kashmir -- allegations firmly denied by Islamabad. Close to war
Earlier this year India and Pakistan -- both nuclear-armed states -- came close to war amid accusations and counter-accusations over the issue. Other topics up for discussion during the visit will be worries over U.S. military action against Iraq, concerns about instability in Central and South Asia, as well as boosting trade and defense ties. India is Russia's second largest trading partner after China although Putin says trade between the two countries is still well below its potential. In 2001 non-military trade between India and Russia stood at around $1.4 billion. On top of that India spent heavily on purchases of Russian military hardware, providing a key support to the struggling Russian defense industry. Indian press reports have speculated that several new military deals could be signed during Putin's visit, including protocols on the joint development of a new generation of fighter jets and the Indian navy's possible leasing of Russian nuclear powered submarine. India is also keen to see progress in negotiations for the leasing of a refurbished Russian aircraft carrier.
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