The need is for a negotiated and lasting regional peace agreement that allows the two countries to develop beyond 50-year-old hostilities

As well as defence and diplomacy, the visiting Russian delegation has been looking at ways to broaden the trade relationship with India and has promised to improve the flow of goods and services between the two countries.

Indian analysts are particularly pleased the Russian visit is taking place as military ties are being redefined with the United States in the wake of the 11 September attacks in America.

Senior American commanders have been holding talks with their Indian counterparts about how to work closely together against terrorism and other threats.

The contrast with the years of the Cold War - when India annoyed Washington with its close links to Moscow - could not be more stark.

Pakistan's efforts

Yet it is also clear that Pakistan is making defence deals and diplomatic efforts of its own, so the Indian successes of the past week have to be seen in this context.

Klebanov has fully backed India over Kashmir

British Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has been visiting Pakistan this week, selling British-made arms.

And a team from Turkey - a country particularly close to General Pervez Musharraf - has been showcasing Turkish defence material.

Similarly, Pakistan has its traditional diplomatic allies in the Gulf and elsewhere that would offer it the same robust support that Russia does to India.

The diplomatic edge in the current stand off between South Asia's two largest countries probably goes to India on points.

But that does not diminish the need for a negotiated and lasting regional peace agreement that allows the two countries to develop beyond 50-year-old hostilities and the continuing risk of nuclear war.

This is a dispute demanding a settlement, not a victory or a defeat.