Dmitry Medvedev visited the Taj Mahal

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev visits the historic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra December 22, 2010. REUTERS/Dmitry Astakhov/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

December 22, 2010 (KATAKAMI / KREMLIN.RU) --- As part of his official visit to India Dmitry Medvedev made a stop in Agra on his way from New Delhi to Mumbai to see the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

The President observed the mausoleum and mosque architectural ensemble and took some photos. Mr Medvedev wrote in the distinguished visitors’ book: “The Taj Mahal is a unique component of humanity’s legacy. Thank you to all who look after it.”

The Taj Mahal, built on the order of Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalise his late wife’s memory, is considered one of the gems of Mughal architecture, blending elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
The Taj Mahal is placed on UNESCO’s world heritage list and receives more than 5 million visitors annually.

Russian-Indian talks

Talks between Dmitry Medvedev and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were held in New Delhi.

The main issues on the agenda of the Russian-Indian talks were cooperation in the oil and gas sector, nuclear energy, and aircraft construction, as well as joint high-tech projects.

Speaking about trade and economic cooperation, the two leaders agreed to continue their efforts towards achieving the strategic target of bilateral trade volume of $20 billion by 2015.

Cooperation in the international arena was also discussed, including the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan and the joint fight against terrorism.

A package of 30 bilateral documents was signed following the Russian-Indian talks, among them a Memorandum of Understanding on Research and Technology Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, a fifth-generation fighter design contract, and an agreement on easing visa requirements for certain categories of citizens.

Following the talks, Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made press statements and answered questions from journalists.

Earlier in the day Dmitry Medvedev met with Indian Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna.

The Russian President also had bilateral meetings with President of India Pratibha Patil, Vice President of India Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj, and Indian National Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi.

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