President Mukherjee on Friday received an honorary doctorate degree from the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Let me take this opportunity to emphasize that the dynamic development of our strategic partnership owes a great deal to the vision and leadership of President Vladimir Putin,” he said during a keynote address at the Academy.
Pranab Mukherjee stressed that Putin’s personal commitment has brought Russian-Indian relations to new heights.
“We recognize President Putin as a great friend of India. I look forward to renewing my association with him on this visit,” Indian president added.
India’s leader emphasized that Russia had always been a pillar of strength at difficult moments in Indian history and promised that India will always reciprocate this support.
"India-Russia relations, shaped as they are by our respective historical experiences, cultural affinities, political convergences and economic opportunities, will not be affected by winds of transient global political trends," Mukherjee concluded.
On May 9, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee will take part in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, marking the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's capitulation.
On Thursday, Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin said Moscow highly valued the Indian president’s decision to attend the celebrations in Moscow.
