Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn't mince words. He believes in hard talk and shooting straight from the hip. At a joint press conference with US President George W. Bush on November 22, he candidly put Pakistan on the same pedestal as Iraq. The Russian President's strong words against terrorism have been music to Indian ears.

It is not surprising, therefore, that terrorism tops the agenda during Putin's forthcoming two-day visit to India starting on December 3-his second in two years. Flying in from China, Putin is expected to sign two declarations and six bilateral agreements with India. His packed schedule includes meetings with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi.

REALITY CHECK: Putin's visit provides an opportunity to redefine friendship

The high point of Putin's visit will be a bilateral agreement on setting up a joint working group on counter-terrorism. This group will have a larger ambit than the existing group headed by the National Security Advisers of the two countries. Headed by Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister V. Trubnikov, the group will comprise top intelligence officials from both sides. Its focus will be on sharing information on terrorists, including those operating in Kashmir and Chechnya, and on formulating a joint strategy to tackle the scourge of the 21st century. Putin will use the Indian platform to urge Pakistan to dismantle its terrorist infrastructure and tell Islamabad that the Kashmir issue can only be solved bilaterally.

Another important agreement will increase the number of hi-tech projects on which the two nations are cooperating from 145 to 232. India is keen to enhance cooperation with Russia in nuclear energy. Putin's visit will also cement ties in energy security. Both countries have plans to jointly invest in third countries as well as in each other's oil and gas exploration projects. India's ONGC Videsh is looking to investing in the Sakhalin II project, while Russian giant Gazprom has investments in the deep sea exploration blocks in the Bay of Bengal.

THE ROAD AHEAD

COMBATING TERROR: India and Russia will set up a working group on counter-terrorism.

OIL SECURITY: They will jointly invest in oil and gas exploration projects in Central Asia.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION: Cooperation in hi-tech projects will be enhanced.

N-ENERGY: Collaboration in nuclear energy will be increased.

Military trade between the two sides may come up for discussion but the signing of a major defence deal is ruled out. India is keen to buy the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov but wants the package to include the acquisition of four TU-22 M3K strategic bombers and leasing of a nuclear submarine. A decision is expected during Defence Minister George Fernandes' visit to Moscow in February 2003.

While Putin's visit will boost bilateral ties, it will also address Russia's changing relationship with the US, China and Pakistan. Russian annual trade with China now stands at $10 billion and their defence ties are growing. Moscow has supplied Mi-17 helicopters to Pakistan and wants to engage Islamabad in the energy sector.

India and Russia may undertake a reality check of their bilateral ties during Putin's trip. Discussions on problem areas such as trade, phasing out of rupee-rouble trade and spare parts for IAF's fighters are on the cards. The two countries cannot afford to thrive on ties of the last century; they need to open fresh avenues for nurturing a relationship in the new world.