The message to Indian President Kocheril Raman Narayanan said, in part: “India is rightfully called one of the poles of the modern world order. Russia values its relations with India. Our countries are united by similar fundamental national and geopolitical interests, as well as by our commitment to the ideals of peace and democracy, international stability and security. I am convinced that constructive Russian-Indian cooperation, which is progressing down the road to strategic partnership, will remain an important factor in international politics in the new millennium.”
In his congratulatory message to Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mr Putin said he was especially satisfied with the fact that “Russia and India have been linked by relations of broad, mutually beneficial cooperation, trust and mutual understanding. Today, while a multi-polar world is beginning to assert itself, both countries are moving to expand constructive relations in bilateral and global affairs for the sake of strengthening international stability and security.”