New Delhi: Russian Industry Minister Illya Klebanov on December 3 held a crucial meeting with Defence Minister George Fernandes a day ahead of Putin-Vajpayee summit meeting in New Delhi on December 3.

The meeting, second in the course of a week, was scheduled on the request from the Russian side.

Officials from both sides were tight-lipped, but sources said the meeting was scheduled to carry forward what they described as "unfinished business".

Klebanov leading a high powered three member delegation was clossetted with Fernandes for an one-to-one meeting for the major part of the talks apparently giving final touches to parts of Delhi Declaration on military to military cooperation.

Klebanov also holds the portfolio of science and technology.

At the end of two rounds of meeting last week between Defence officials of the two sides, Klebanov had told reporters that some agreements on further strengthening Defence strategic cooperation during President Putin visit was also on the anvil.

However, officials said there was little likelyhood of an agreement on over $ 2 billion deal for acquisition of Russian Aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov with the two sides still locked in hard negotiations on the full package.

The deal for leasing out to India of two Akula II Nuclear submarine and two long range TU22M bombers, officials said could be even signed at a later stage.

PTI