Russia offers India to help combat terrorism

MOSCOW: President Dmitry Medvedev says Russia can help India fight terrorism and investigate the deadly attacks in Mumbai. Medvedev says Russia could also help its old ally prevent possible future attacks.

He says he wants also to improve military ties and cooperation on nuclear energy during a three-day visit to India beginning Thursday. Medvedev was speaking in an interview with Indian Broadcasting Corporation Doordarshan posted on the Kremlin Web site.

He says Russia is ready to lease India a nuclear-powered submarine, but does not say which kind. Russian and Indian news reports have said it is a Nerpa. Medvedev says last month's accident that killed 20 aboard a Nerpa was caused by human error and did not reflect design flaws.