Russia in touch with India on Afghan situation

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, OCT. 15. Russia today said it was maintaining ``closest'' interaction with India over the developments in Afghanistan and was looking at deepening political and economic ties with New Delhi.

Russia's visiting Deputy-Prime Minister, Mr. Ilya Klebanov, after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mr. Brajesh Mishra, said that Moscow's non-military involvement in Afghanistan was considerable. ``In this regard, we have closest contacts with India.''

Mr. Klebanov will call on the President, Mr. K.R Narayanan, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, during his three- day stay.

His talks with the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, covered international terrorism, situation in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Klebanov's visit is part of preparations which are underway for the visit of the Prime Minister, Mr. Vajpayee, to Moscow in early November. Both sides have decided to push cooperation in the spheres of nuclear energy, computer software, oil and gas, steel, defence, space and diamonds. The Russian side is also keen on tie-ups with key Indian States. India has invested $one billion in oil and gas in Russia's Sakhalin area.

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Section  : National
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