The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“You are well-known in Russia as an experienced politician, an important public figure, and someone that has actively perpetuated the political traditions of the Nehru and Ghandi families.
We value the time-tested friendly and trusting relations that exist between our countries. I am confident that we will work together to continue and successfully strengthen our strategic partnership as well as develop multifaceted and fruitful Russian-Indian cooperation. I am firmly convinced that the Year of Russia in India in 2008 and the Year of India in 2009 will help us work towards these goals.”