Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Thursday met United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice [Images] and discussed bilateral relations and the implementation of the July 18 joint statement between the two countries.

• Prime Minister's July US visit

During the 'very warm and cordial' meeting, Dr Rice informed Dr Singh that Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns will visit India towards the end of October to review the decisions taken during Dr Singh's July visit.

Burns will also look into the preparations for Bush's visit to India in 2006.

The two also had brief exchange of views on regional issues including Iran and agreed that diplomacy will be given a full chance in resolving these issues.

• Complete Coverage: PM at the UN

Dr Singh also called on Russia [Images]n President Vladimir Putin [Images] and thanked Russia for supporting India's bid for a permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and India's participation in the ITER project.

Dr Singh, however, said economic relations between the two countries did not reflect the full potential and proposed a Joint Study Group to examine a comprehensive economic policy.

President Putin said it was brilliant idea and that he would give his response after returning to Russia.

Putin also hoped that the recommendations of the JSG will be in place before Dr Singh's visit to Russia in December.

The prime minister also informed Putin about his July visit to the US and the agreement on civilian nuclear energy.

He hoped that the Nuclear Suppliers Group, of which Russia is a member, will provide India with nuclear equipment for civilian technology.