Official website of the President of Russia

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President Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr President,

Let me once again offer you a hearty welcome to Moscow. I remember a rather lengthy and detailed conversation we had when I was visiting your country. And quite recently I had the pleasure of receiving the Indian Prime Minister in Moscow who came to attend the celebrations of Victory in World War II. Now we are having an opportunity to exchange information and thoughts on the further development of Russian-Indian relations.

We are happy that high-level contacts have not ended, and, on the contrary, they create a good atmosphere and a good basis for the development of Russian-Indian relations in all spheres.

I am happy to see our Indian friends in Moscow. Welcome, Mr Abdul Kalam!

A.Kalam: Thank you, Your Excellency, Mr Putin.

I have been staying here for two days already, and I would like to thank you for your hospitality. Everything was very well organised.

This morning, I laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was a very touching ceremony.

Mr President, I remember you visiting my home in New Delhi. I mean you were in our presidential palace. I remember we discussed all areas of our cooperation in great detail. Our Prime Minister came here in May for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. I remember the death toll of that war, and I know the Soviet people sacrificed their lives for the cause of peace.

Wherever I went, I had useful exchanges of opinion. I held meetings in academies, institutes, and industrial facilities.