Viewing with concern the "continuing deterioration" of the situation in Iraq, India and Russia on Thursday advocated the need for broad internal dialogue in the country and collective international efforts to restore normalcy there.

"The two sides express concern over the continuing deterioration of the situation in Iraq," a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Vladimir Putin, after their talks in New Delhi, said.

They believe that a return to peace, stability and progress in Iraq "can only be achieved through reconciliation and a broad internal dialogue between all ethnic and religious groups and political forces of the country."

India and Russia believe that the developments in Iraq indicate the "need for collective international efforts aimed towards an early normalisation of the situation in the country."

Putin is on a two-day visit to India starting today. He will be the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations on Friday.