New Delhi: Describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "trusted friend", Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has favoured further extension of strategic partnership between the two countries in the changed international scenario.

"We have stood by each other through thick and thin and we understand each other well. No attempts to create misunderstandings between us have succeeded," Vajpayee said in an interview to Russian news channel Itar-Tass, ahead of Putin's three-day state visit beginning on December 3.

Observing that he has a "deep personal relationship" with Putin, the Prime Minister said "we keep meeting regularly. If need be, we talk on the phone. Discussions are always very frank. There is no hesitation in our hearts when we talk.

"He is a trusted friend and from this point of view our personal relations help in strengthening our political relations," he said.

Vajpayee voiced confidence that the strategic partnership between the two countries would forge ahead.

"There is a need to extend this partnership further in the changed international circumstances."

He said the two sides would discuss how far they could take this partnership to new heights and add depth to it.

On Indo-Pak relations, Vajpayee made it clear that there could not be any meaningful dialogue with Islamabad due to continued terrorism, which was being abetted and sponsored from across the border.

PTI