Manmohan holds talks with Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) listens to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their meeting yesterday at the Kremlin in Moscow. Photo: AFP

Arms and energy were on the agenda yesterday as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin to buttress ties between the veteran allies.
The talks were part of a two-day visit by Singh to buttress the relationship between the two powers, which hope to more than double trade volumes.
"Our relations have a long history and today are developing in the best way possible," Putin was quoted as saying at the opening of the meeting by Russian news agencies.
"For us, friendship with Russia has passed the test of time," Singh replied.
India was a key ally of the former Soviet Union in the Cold War era.
New Delhi is expected to make a bid for an increased share of Russia's oil and gas exports as Russia fights to retain its position as India's top arms supplier amid Western competition, and dissatisfaction with delays in Russian deliveries.