New Delhi: Russia today (June 24, 2004) sought strengthening of cooperation with India in combating international terrorism while drawing similarities in terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Chechnya.

Emerging from a 30-minute meeting with Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Russian Ambassador Alexander M Kadakin did not specifically name any country but told that "they (terrorist) are being trained just behind your borders."

Terming his discussions with Patil as "warm and productive", he said a wide range of issues figured, including the fight against international terrorism.

Observing that two countries have been "close friends" and cooperating in fighting the menace of terrorism, Kadakin said these ties could be further strengthened as there existed commonalities in the designs of terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir in Chechnya.

Kadakin said he also congratulated Patil on his election to the Rajya Sabha.