New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS): Seeking to scale up strategic and economic ties, India and Russia Monday signed a clutch of agreements, including a pact on promoting direct investment, and made "good progress" in resolving issues related to units III and IV of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging discussions, including intensification of economic ties, defence ties, civil nuclear cooperation and the evolving Asian order.

Manmohan Singh described Putin as "a valued friend of India and the original architect of the India-Russia strategic partnership".

The two sides signed a slew of agreements in diverse areas, including cultural exchange, investment and foreign office consultations.

Negotiations for the construction of Units III and IV at Kudankulam have made good progress, Manmohan Singh said after the talks.

Putin is currently on a day-long visit to India for the 13th annual summit with Manmohan Singh.