By Naveen Kapoor

Moscow, Dec.7 (ANI): Russian President Medvedev on Monday expressed concerns over the safety of nuclear weapons in Iran and other neighbouring countries.

Making an apparent reference to Pakistan, Russian President called for a tighter control over nuclear weapons by the states.

“We are interested in making the defense capabilities including nuclear capabilities be under state control so that they would not be hostage to all kind of radicals so that they could not be used to start some kind of large scale conflict or threaten their immediate neighbours,” said Medvedev.

” As to the terrorism and control over nuclear technologies of the world and including the state of affairs in our neighbors this is a sensitive we have discussed this with Indian Prime Minister we are interested to keep nuclear technologies under very strict

control on the part of IAEA,” he added.

With Taliban strengthening its grip in Pakistan and recent attacks near the country’s nuclear installations, India has expressed fears that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal could fall into Taliban hands.

Manmohan Singh and Medvedev on Sunday had discussed this issue along with other regional and global issues at an informal dinner meet.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian Preseident Medvedev

made strong pitch against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the two

leaders also discussed situation in Afghanistan.

” Both India and Russia have an interest in stable, prosperous and moderate Afghanistan and we have agreed to regularly consult each other in this important area. We have also agreed to enhance our cooperation to meet the grave challenges of terrorism and religious extremism that emanate from our region and threaten both our society,” Singh stated.

Recently one of luxury trains travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg was bombed by Chechiyan terror outfit, Russia is also concerned about spread of Islamic fundamentalism in Central Asian countries.

Recalling Mumbai attacks, Medvedev talked about the need to step up counter terrorism efforts. He said: ” Terrorism is terrible evil of this and last century. Russia has once again supported and urged the international community to adopt Comprehensive convention on counter terrorism and asked the world to take pin point actions against countries sheltering terrorists.”

Both sides also decided to increase cooperation in counter insurgency efforts like increased intelligence sharing , information gathering and also to use instrumentalities to pressurize countries which give shelter or encouragement to terrorist activities. (ANI)