The threat of terrorism and Pakistan's destabilising influence in South Asia dominated the proceedings during the summit-level talks between India and Russia during the course of President Vladimir Putin's three-day visit to India.

Addressing a joint press conference on Wednesday at the end of the deliberations, President Putin asked Pakistan to liquidate terrorist infrastructure in the country and take action to stop cross border terrorism across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the recent pullback of troops from the border by both the countries as a positive sign towards normalisation of the situation in the sub-continent, Putin said it was necessary for the two sides to abide by their commitments for further easing of tensions.

Putin, who had recently expressed apprehension that Pakistani weapons of mass destruction (WMD) could fall in the hands of terrorists and bandits, said the international community would have to be informed about the existence of such a threat and stressed on the need for strengthening international norms to check proliferation of WMD.

He said India and Pakistan should do everything possible to settle bilateral disputes through peaceful means.

Putin labelled the Delhi Declaration as an indication of the political resolve of the two countries to develop a strategic partnership. He said the Declaration would form a ‘solid basis' of interaction between the two countries on joint postures on international as well as bilateral issues.

In the present complex international situation, it was necessary that the two countries had a constant dialogue so that their relationship becomes comprehensive and multi-faceted.

"Our positions are close on a whole number of issues like combating international terrorism, extremism and trans-national crime," Putin said adding the two countries also shared similar views on Afghanistan and had also discussed at length the developments regarding Iraq.

He said he was ‘very satisfied' with Indo-Russian bilateral relations and saw 'a bright future' for these relations.

He did not rule out cooperating with India in the nuclear field provided Russia's international obligations were not compromised.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee chose to focus on bilateral trade, expressing unhappiness over the low volume of business between the two countries. Some agreements signed on Wednesday would try to correct this anomaly, he said.

Vajpayee said his discussions with Putin covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern and the Delhi Declaration and the joint statement by the two sides showed a convergence of interests.

In the defence field, the two countries have gone beyond buying and selling relationship and are now engaged in joint research, design, development and production, he said.

The two countries were also exploring ways to enhance bilateral trade to sectors beyond traditional areas of power and meteorology and were considering measures to promote investments, Vajpayee said.

Citing the recent terrorist attacks in India, Russia and Indonesia, Vajpayee said these showed that terrorists were seeking ‘ever new targets' and a defence mechanism and a well-coordinated effort is needed to tackle the menace.

"We have agreed to intensify and widen our cooperation against terrorism bilaterally and at multilateral fora," he said.

The prime minister also announced he has accepted President Putin's invitation to visit Russia.