Russia and India both have a geopolitical interest in a peaceful and stable Asia, which would be relieved of outward pressure and would not harbour and suffer from extremists.... Russia and India must do their best so that international community's efforts in Afghanistan were not futile.

Before signing of declaration on global challenges and threats to international security and stability with Russia's president Vladimir Putin quoted in "Putin, Vajpayee to sign declaration on global challenges". Pravda. 12 November 2003.