President Vladimir Putin and India's prime minister Manmohan Singh met on Monday for talks expected to focus on increasing economic and military ties between the two nations. «Russia is a tried and tested friend of our country. Your contribution to the strengthening of that friendship has been immense,» Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Putin in remarks before reporters at the Kremlin. Putin responded: «I hope that despite our cold, wintry Moscow weather, you will feel the warmth of our hearts. Our relationship has a long history and today it is developing on the highest pace.»