India, Russia friendship has not seen ups and downs: PM Modi

India and Russia have not seen ups and downs in bilateral relations, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

He expressed these views during his meeting with Russian President Vladmir Putin at the Konstantin Palace in St. Petersberg.

Prime Minister Modi told President Putin that "generally there are ups and downs in international relationships, but history is a witness that India and Russia have not seen ups and down in their relations".

"The friendship between Russia and India is so old that on every international issue both the countries have remained united."

President Putin also acknowledged friendship between both the countries and said, "This year, we will be celebrating 70 years of friendship. A lot has happened and changed in these years. But the most important thing is that there are special nature of trust and friendship in the relations between two countries and their people."

Seventy years ago - on April 13, 1947 - the governments of the USSR and India announced their decision to establish official missions in Delhi and Moscow.

President Putin expressed happiness that in one week India is becoming the full fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and in one week both would be meeting again.

Prime Minster Modi also acknowledged Putin's pro-active role in India's SCO membership.

"Now, we have moved a step further so no only in relations with Russia but with the international community, India is committed on the principle of Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay (For the gain and welfare of everyone)," said Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Modi also remembered the sacrifices made by Russian people, especially Putin's elder brother, in building Russia.

He expressed happiness that he had a chance to pay floral tributes to the World War II victims at the Piskaryovskoye Cemetery in St. Petersburg.