New Delhi: In a significant gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin this evening (Feb 4) spoke to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for bilateral consultations, shortly before Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf arrived in Moscow on a three-day visit to Russia.

During the telephonic conversation lasting for about 15 minutes, Putin expressed "full understanding" of New Delhi's position that dialogue between India and Pakistan can only be resumed once cross-border terrorism has been stopped.

Reports from Islamabad had said that Musharraf would seek Putin's intervention in urging India to agree to restart the stalled dialogue with Pakistan.

Official sources said the two leaders had a cordial and friendly exchange and expressed full satisfaction with the development of Indo-Russian relations.

Both the leaders said they looked forward to seeing each other in St Petersberg in May 2004.

Officials said Putin's call reflects the high level of mutual trust between the two leaders and the two countries.

PTI