India committed to developing close cooperation with Russia

NEW DELHI, August 31 (Itar-Tass) - India "is committed to develop
relations of close and large-scale bilateral cooperation and partnership
with Russia". This stand was confirmed by President Pratibha Patil on the
eve of her first visit to Russia.
She noted in an exclusive interview with Itar-Tass that "India
experiences a firm feeling of emotional attachment to Russia".
"Just mention the name of Russia in our country, and people will
immediately recall the feeling of friendship and respect," the head of
state said. "We in India value Russia as our reliable friend that passed
the test of time. We also regard Russia as a very important country,
playing an active role as a major power whose opinion on problems,
provoking global concern, attracts universal attention."
Patil, 74, who became the first woman president in the history of her
country two years ago, believes that "relations between India and Russia
are characterised by continuity, mutual trust and reliability" and are an
example of "friendly partnership and mutually advantageous cooperation".
In the president's opinion, the fact that these relations "are based
on the common foundation of mutual understanding between the Russian and
Indian peoples and attach high priority to friendship" is an earnest for
their further development.
Speaking of visit plans, the president said that she is waiting with
impatience for meetings with Russian leaders in the belief that "close
friendship and special relations between the two states will grow in
strength even more". "My visit will pass at the time when the Year of
India in Russia is marked", Patil stated.
"I'd like to underline that despite the serious situation and changes
that emerged over the past decades in the global geopolitical situation,
India and Russia remain close friends and partners, while our desire to
consolidate our relations are constantly confirmed at the top political
level."
The head of state who has not been to Russia before, acknowledged that
she anticipates with pleasure the coming acquaintance with "the beautiful
country, Moscow and St. Petersburg - one of the most beautiful cities in
the world and the city which brought up such leaders as Mr Putin and Mr
Medvedev".
"I convey my good wishes to the Russian leadership and express
feelings of love, attachment, warmth and friendship from the billion-odd
Indian people to all our Russian friends," the Indian president said.
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