Wednesday, May 11 2005 08:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (May 10, 2005) described his three-day visit to Moscow as "useful", pointing out it had provided him an opportunity to meet heads of States and Governments of many countries, including the US and Russia.

On his arrival from Moscow after a three-day visit, he said he had reviewed the Indo-Russian relations with President Vladimir Putin and held "useful talks" with US President George W Bush, French President Jacques Chirac, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Japanese Primer Minister J Koizumi.

Singh told reporters that he had discussed with Bush his upcoming visit to the US this summer.

"I had a thorough review of bilateral relations with President Putin and I am glad to report that our relations are in fine shape," Singh told reporters in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister noted that President A P J Abdul Kalam would be travelling to Russia later this month after which he himself would undertake a visit there later this year.

He said he had talks with Bush, Hu, Chirac and several other world leaders on the sidelines of the celebration of 60th anniversary of Victory Day, marking triumph over Nazi-led forces in the World War II.

"On the whole, I had a useful visit. I had an opportunity to meet many heads of States and Governments of countries which we consider important," he said.

On India being invited to participate in celebrations, Singh said it reflected "close relations that characterise our ties with this great country".

"India-Russia relations encompass every area of interaction between states and are indeed privileged," the Prime Minister said, adding "this was so in the past and I am happy to say that it continues to be even truer today."

He said during his "brief" meeting with Putin, the Russian leader said India was special for his country.

"I reciprocated his sentiments and I look forward to a longer and a much more comprehensive discussion later this year when we hold our annual summit," Singh said.

Noting that he also had held meetings with leaders of Tajikistan and Kazakshtan, the Prime Minister said he was convinced that Central Asia is "not only of great importance but equally so given our historical and civilisational ties."

He said India needed to invest a great deal of attention in developing strong and many-dimensional ties with central Asian countries.