Article Posted on : - Mar 14, 2010

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A PTI Photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Highlighting the special status accorded by Russia to its ties with India, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, during his visit, said his country did not have any military cooperation with Pakistan because it understands India's concerns.

On a visit here, Putin said terror groups operating out of Pakistan and Afghanistan were a threat to the entire world and action against these would be in the "best interest" of Pakistan itself.

"Unlike many other countries, Russia does not have any military cooperation with Pakistan because we bear in mind the concerns of our Indian friends," he said.

He made the remarks after his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during which the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues including Pakistan, Afghanistan and terrorism emanating from these countries.

The two leaders exchanged views on Afghanistan where Taliban are showing signs of resurgence.

Putin also said at a programme that Russia understood well the concerns of India regarding banned terror outfits operating against it from Pakistan.

"Parts of Afghanistan's soil continues to be used by terror groups. We understand the concerns of India regarding the activities of banned outfits in Pakistan," he said.

Noting that Pakistan has taken action against those outfits in the last few months, Putin said "we hope addressing the problem (of terror groups) will be in the best interest of Pakistan. We need to support those efforts."

Putin said India and Russia were concerned over terror activities and were strategic partners in the fight against terror.