PM's visit will be milestone in Indo-Russian ties: Medvedev

From Vinay Shukla
Moscow, Jul 14 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh's visit to Moscow later this year will be an important
milestone in expanding bilateral cooperation, Russian
President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday.
While, accepting the credentials of Indian Ambassador
Ajai Malhotra at an ornate ceremony in the Grand Kremlin
Palace, Medvedev underscored that the bilateral relations have
reached a new level.
"Today our countries have reached a new level of
partnership which can be referred to as 'Privileged Strategic
Partnership'. It is marked not only by the fact that it is
based on trustful political dialogue, but it is also
characterised by large scale of trade, economic,
military-technical ties and promising cultural projects," he
stressed.
The mutual respect and sincere friendship have long been
linking Russia and India, the Russian leader noted.
"Another important milestone in expanding cooperation
will be the forthcoming official visit of the Indian Prime
Minister that will take place this year," the President said.
Welcoming the new envoy Malhotra Medvedev said: "I am
convinced that strengthening of Russia–India relations is in
line with the national interests of both countries and
substantially contributes to the maintenance of global
stability and security in South Asia."
Later during informal chat with Malhotra, Medvedev
condemned the western Indian city Mumbai blasts and expressed
his sorrow and indignation. He requested to convey his
personal deepest condolences to the family members of the
victims.
The Kremlin in a condolence message to Prime Minister
Singh termed the terrorist attacks in Mumbai as "inhuman
crimes directed against the very foundation of the civilised
society, evoking anger and condemnation."
Medvedev underscored that there could be no justification
of the terror attacks and their perpetrators should face
strictest punishment.
"The evil acts committed on the soil of India reiterate
the need for joint efforts in combat against terrorism,"
Medvedev wrote to Singh.