Putin visits India to discuss nuclear and military issues

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India today, hoping to use the two nations’ decades-long friendship to push for deals in civilian nuclear co-operation, military hardware and trade expansion between the booming economies.

Putin, who will be the guest of honour tomorrow at India’s Republic Day celebrations during his two-day visit, is looking to cash in on Cold War ties that bound the two countries for years – but then slackened as India’s burgeoning market attracted other players.