Vladimir Putin Pleased by Cooperation between Russian and Indian Intelligence Agencies

'Russia attaches a great deal of significance to her developing interparliamentary ties with India,' said President Vladimir Putin today at a meeting with Indian Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. According to the Russian President's press service, Putin also noted that he was very pleased to personally meet the Indian Vice-President, and congratulated him on his election to the post on August 19, 2002.

In a meeting with India's Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister Lal Krishna Advani, Vladimir Putin underlined that Russia and India are bringing cooperation between their intelligence agencies 'to a very good level.' 'Russia and India are actively and fruitfully working on key questions - strategic stability, and the creation of a modern system of international relations,' said Putin at a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh. However, Putin is dissatisfied by the low volume of trade between the two countries. 'The value is very low and does not correspond to out potential,' stressed the Russian President.