MOSCOW, January 24, 2004. /RIA Novosti/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his Indian counterpart Abdul Kalam on India's national holiday, the Republic Day, the Kremlin press service told RIA Novosti.
"Our countries are traditionally close friends and partners. Russia and India are united by common approaches to key international problems and sincere striving for bilateral cooperation. I am convinced that many-sides relations of strategic partnership will be consolidating for the sake of our mutual interests," reads Vladimir Putin's message of congratulation.
