Strengthening ties: Putin, Singh to hold talks

Strengthening ties: Putin, Singh to hold talks

Friday, December 3, 2004 (New Delhi):

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi today on a three-day visit to the country.

Putin was received at the Delhi airport by Communication and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran.

During his visit, India and Russia will sign several accords.

Joint Declaration

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Putin are scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern today.

After this, a joint declaration will be announced, which will set out the overall vision of cooperation while spelling out specific areas.

The two countries will also sign an agreement under which India will join the Global Satellite Navigation System promoted by Russia.

The hallmark of this visit will be on concrete things as also on how to remove roadblocks coming in the way of further consolidating bilateral ties.

Inking pacts

An agreement exempting holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements will be inked.

Also, the two sides are in the final stages of working out an accord for liberalising and facilitating business and tourist visas.

Three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) will be signed on banking arrangements in either country.

Eight Russian banks have been identified which will have linkages with Indian banks. These include SBI, Canara Bank and ICICI.

news from ndtv.com

(With PTI inputs)