Home Minister Rajnath Singh leaves for Russia, to sign 2 pacts

India and Russia will sign two key pacts for cooperation in tackling all forms of terrorism, and smuggling of narcotics, during a three-day visit by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Moscow, officials said.

Mr. Singh, who left for Russia today, will sign an agreement on cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation, to combat terrorism and organised crime. The pact will reinforce the bilateral relationship between the two nations through the exchange and sharing of information, expertise, and help in curbing terrorism and



enhancing security in the region, a Home Ministry official said.

The proposed pact, which will replace the agreement of October 1993, is a step towards consolidating the benefits accrued in the field of security and seeks to jointly fight new and evolving risks and threats.

The Minister will hold discussions with Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister for Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, and other senior Russian leaders. The discussions would cover the entire gamut of bilateral, regional and international matters, the official said.