NEW DELHI, July 18 (PTI, UNI)-The president, Dr. Zakir Husain, said on return from the Soviet Union here today that he was convinced that the relations between India and the Soviet Union were of an abiding nature and based on mutual respect and common interests. The president, who was speaking to newsmen shortly after landing at Palam, said that he had “frank and friendly” talks with Soviet leaders, who “reaffirmed the value which they place on our relations and their further development”. Dr. Zakir Husain, who read out a prepared statement, answered no questions. He did not make any reference to the reported Soviet arms aid to Pakistan but emphasised at least three times in his statement the need for the continuance of Indo-Soviet friendship.