New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 3 night met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee over dinner soon after his arrival in New Delhi on a three-day state visit during which talks are expected to focus on terrorism, including Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and trade and Defence co-operation.

Putin, who flew in from China accompanied by First Lady Lyudmila Putin and a high- power delegation, drove to Prime Minister's official residence for the private dinner.

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, Defence Minister George Fernandes, Minister-in-waiting Vasundhara Raje, Indian Ambassador in Moscow K Raghunath and former Ambassador S K Lambah, besides former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, were present.

Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi, who was invited for the private dinner, expressed regrets for not attending.

Putin and Vajpayee will have formal talks on December 4 during which the Indian side is expected to convey its serious concerns over Pakistan's clandestine nuclear tie- ups with North Korea and continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The two sides would also sign a host of agreements, including one on co-operation in combating terrorism and boosting economic and scientific ties.

Putin and Vajpayee will sign the Delhi Declaration on further strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries besides another Declaration on expanding co-operation in trade, economic, scientific and technological fields.

PTI