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The letter read, in particular:

“This event, widely celebrated in both our countries, is an important milestone in the history of Russian-Indian relations, which go a long way back. Many outstanding pages of the history of our friendship are related with Mumbai. Five hundred years ago the outskirts of this city saw the beginning of the ‘Indian Odyssey’ by the famous Russian traveller Afanasy Nikitin, and it was in Mumbai that the first Russian consulate general opened in 1900.

“I recall with great warmth my recent trip to India when I also visited Mumbai. I am happy that some of our agreements are already being put into action. I am confident that the documents signed in New Delhi will have a healthy influence on the further development of our bilateral relations and encourage the shaping of a more secure multi-polar world in which Russia and India will play an increasing role.

“I hope that your visit to Moscow next year, as provided for in the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in New Delhi, will be an important benchmark on the way to further promotion of all-round bilateral cooperation.”