There were many guests who came to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations, but there was only one India," quipped Russian President Vladimir Putin to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had joined a galaxy of world leaders in the Russian capital for the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Russian victory over Germany in World War II. It was power diplomacy at its best, as Manmohan joined an elite gathering that included US President George W. Bush, French President Jacques Chirac and Chinese President Hu Jintao.

"It is a significant occasion for India as well. Several thousand Indian lives were lost in the fight against fascism ... India being asked to participate in this very solemn observance is reflective of the close relations that characterise our ties," remarked Manmohan. While he did not get an invite for a meal at Putin's dacha, which was reserved for Bush and where Putin gave him a ride in his newly acquired vintage car, a Volga, the Russian President did host Manmohan at the Kremlin, which turned out to be a satisfying meal in bilateral terms.

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POWER PACK: World leaders at a photo-op (left); Putin with Manmohan

The Manmohan-Putin meeting turned out to be a full scale summit, notwithstanding the fact that the PMO nixed the Indian envoy's reception stating that it should be held during a bilateral visit. Putin told Manmohan that "Russia has always stood by and will always stand by India". Manmohan agreed and proposed that a joint study group (JSG) be set up. "Absolutely," Putin remarked. The JSG will be followed by a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. It is a push that is clearly needed. Amid South Korean and American billboards dominating the Moscow skyline, the only Indian presence is a local casino with a neon sign showing Lord Ganesh. Even traditional exports like tea are missing from the supermarkets-Brand India needs to perk up.

Energy security was high on the prime minister's agenda but his parleys with Putin yielded mixed results. Russia will offer another oilfield to India called Sakhalin III. Manmohan brought up the issue of civilian nuclear cooperation and told Putin that India had now addressed the nuclear suppliers group's concerns on export controls. Putin replied that he would address the issue of additional reactors for Koodankulam later. But while he may have promised that he will look at the matter, he might not be able to deliver because of US pressure on the nuclear issue.

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SEE YA: Bush, Laura and Manmohan at Red Square	VICTORY MARCH: The grand parade

V-Day was Putin's biggest show-case event marking its victory over Nazi Germany and in remembrance of the 26 million people the Soviet Union lost in World War II. With fears of a terrorist strike looming, Moscow resembled a military garrison. Marching columns sporting the wartime olive green uniform and veterans joining the parade at Red Square in vintage World War II trucks brought back vivid memories of the war. At dusk, the breathtaking fireworks on the Moscow river with Den Pabedi, the Russian victory song, playing in the background imparted a festive spirit to the occasion. However, the event was dubbed as a deft move to regain Russia's lost status, and by parading 56 world leaders Putin demonstrated that he still matters in the global arena.

Manmohan was not at the head table with the bigwigs at Putin's lunch. This reflected poorly on the Indian envoy in Moscow considering that former prime minister A.B. Vajpayee was seated at the high table when he went to St. Petersburg in 2003. The PMO spokesperson was not available for comment despite repeated calls. In any case while there may be no connection, there seems to be a shift in the Indian position for the UN Security Council seat with a veto. When quizzed by India Today on the issue, Manmohan advised, "Don't count the chickens before they are roasted. There are many problems on the way, I wouldn't minimise the difficulties." Earlier, National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan said, "There were weightier matters than the Security Council issue." The UN high table may be a long shot.

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