Singh hails Russian ties ‘most important’

RUSSIA: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday hailed unique relations with Russia, following informal talks with President Dmitry Medvedev at his Moscow residence.

“I assure you that relations with Russia are the most important for us and we do not have such relations with any other country,” Russian news agencies quoted Singh as saying.

Singh thanked Medvedev for meeting him “despite the weekend” during which over 100 Russians died at a fire in a restaurant in the Ural city of Perm.

“This couldn’t have been any other way, Russia and India are good friends,” Medvedev said.

Formal talks are to take place on Monday, including in the afternoon with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Singh’s two-day trip, his sixth to Russia as prime minister since 2004, is aimed at strengthening ties between the two long-time allies and finalising a deal to expand cooperation on nuclear energy.

Moscow, Monday, AFP