Putin lauds India's progress on Independence day

In a message to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Putin said Russia valued its strategic partnership with India, and hoped for the opening of new vistas for greater multifaceted cooperation.

"Over the years of sovereign development your country has achieved impressive results in social-economic, industrial and scientific spheres.

"Today India as an authoritative member of world community plays an important role in UN, SCO, BRICS, other global and regional structures," read the message.

He said Russia values the "confidential and constructive" character of the privileged strategic partnership based on mutual aspiration for intensifying trade and economic relations, broadening cultural and humanitarian ties, working jointly in the field of innovations.

"I note with satisfaction that relying upon this solid foundation we achieve tangible success, coordinate approaches to a wide range of issues of the international agenda," he said.

He hoped the upcoming Russian-Indian summit would help open "new vistas" for greater multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of both countries, in the interests of ensuring stability and security in Asia and the world at large.