Putin greets Mukherjee, Modi on R-Day

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin has appreciated the privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia while greeting President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the country’s 67th Republic Day.

In a letter addressed to President Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi, the Russian president also pitched for deeper bilateral cooperation with India.

"Accept my cordial greetings on the occasion of the Republic Day. India enjoys well-deserved authority in the world arena, plays an important role in solving pressing international and regional issues, possesses mighty economic potential and rich cultural heritage," Putin said in the letter.

"We highly appreciate the relations of special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India.

"I am sure that the further build-up of fruitful bilateral cooperation in different areas, constructive interaction in various international formats corresponds to our common interests and goes in line with ensuring stability and security in Asia and the entire world," Putin wrote.

"From the bottom of my heart I wish good health and success to you, well-being and prosperity – to the friendly people of India," he added.