Russian President Vladimir Putin [Images] Tuesday said his country views its relations with India as of "strategic importance".

• PM in Russia

Welcoming Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] at the Green Drawing Room of Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin said, "It is a great honour to receive the head of the state of a friendly country.

"Relationship between the two countries is of strategic importance to us," he said.

During the meeting, both leaders are expected to focus on international affairs, terrorism, defence, military-technical cooperation, production and marketing of futuristic weapons platforms.

"Russia [Images] has decided to futher partnership in civilian nuclear projects. There is vast potential to increasing cooperation between the two countries given India's growing energy requirements," Dr Singh said.

The Kudankulam power project in Tamil Nadu, which is being constructed with Russian help will be commissioned in 2007-8, he said - "We have identified medium range transport aircraft and fifth generation fighter aircraft."

Talking about the parleys, the Russian President said, "Serious discussions took place on international and regional politics. Our approaches to resolve the issues are consonent. Russia and India firmly believe that we will work towards multi-polar system of international relations."

On the issue of terrorism, he said, "We resolutely condemn any act of terror and, also, double standards in combating the evil. We are convinced that criminals who murder and maim have no justification for their acts. Both countries will make efforts to isolate terrorists politically and ideologically and bring them to justice."