MOSCOW: Russia sets great store by its traditional relations with India and views strategic partnership between the two countries as contributing to stability and security in Asia and the world, President Vladimir Putin said in his Independence Day greetings to the Indian leadership.

"Traditionally friendly relations between our states have grown stronger in recent years in the framework of strategic partnership," Mr. Putin said in a message to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. "We sincerely value such a high level of our relations and mutually advantageous cooperation between Russia and India. We highly appreciate your personal contribution to the development of multi-faceted ties between Russia and India."

In a telegram to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Russian leader praised India's achievements since independence.

"India by right takes pride in its achievements over the years of independence and holds a worthy place in the world economy.

"We note with admiration your remarkable accomplishments in the sphere of science and high technologies. The prestige of your country in world affairs grows from year to year," Mr. Putin said.

"India's participation in events within the framework of the Group of Eight summit in St. Petersburg in July this year attests to that," he noted. "I recall with satisfaction our very substantive talks at Konstantinovsky Palace."

"Relations between our states have always been marked by a high level of cooperation and trust, intensive political contacts and constructive dialogue, which credibly contributes to the expansion of mutually advantageous ties between Russia and India," he stressed.

"I am confident that our strategic partnership meets the long-term interests of the two countries, [and] promotes stability and security in Asia and throughout the world," Mr. Putin said in his Independence Day message to Mr. Singh.

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