NEW DELHI, May 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Ahead of his bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow Monday, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described Russia as a "tried and tested friend" that has stood by India in "times of need", Indo-Asian News Service reported.

    "We attach the highest importance to our relations with Russia,which has been a tried and tested friend and has stood by us in times of need," Manmohan Singh said in a statement Sunday before leaving for Moscow to take part in international celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.

    Indian prime minister said he looked forward to his meeting with Putin and added that their discussions would "aim to build upon the successful visit" of the Russian leader to India in December last year and "the common objective we share of further consolidating our relationship of strategic partnership".

    This will be Manmohan Singh's first visit to Russia since becoming prime minister in May last year.

    Manmohan Singh said the visit of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to Russia later this month would further demonstrate "the high momentum that characterises our relations".

    The prime minister said he hoped to meet the leaders of severalcountries, including the presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Romania, on the sidelines of the event.

    Indian Officials said the prime minister would discuss with Putin key areas of cooperation like trade and energy.

    Manmohan Singh's meetings with the leaders of the Central Asianrepublics are significant in the context of New Delhi's efforts at enhancing energy cooperation, particularly in oil and gas exploration. Enditem