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President Vladimir Putin: Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to first of all thank you sincerely for the hospitality you have shown. We are very happy indeed to be here in your wonderful country.

This summit coincides with India’s state holiday, Republic Day. It gives me particular pleasure to note that this year marks the sixtieth anniversary of India’s independence.

This event marked a turning point in world history and dealt a powerful blow to the colonial system in the world. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere congratulations to the Indian people on this glorious historic date.

India has taken giant strides forward over the last decades, becoming not just a country that is a treasure trove of ancient culture, but also a leader in advanced technology and a strong and influential power in the world.

We are genuinely glad to see your achievements. We value the trusting nature of our bilateral cooperation, and it is symbolic that this year also marks the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia.

Over these decades we have followed the historic road from our first intergovernmental contacts to building a modern strategic partnership. These years have been a time of solid friendship for our peoples, sincere involvement in each other’s affairs and cooperation in a spirit of mutual interest.

During the course of this visit we have seen once again that this friendship lasts the tests of time and distance and that to this day it serves as the foundation for developing our cooperation in the broadest sense.

I repeat that what cements our solid ties is the deep and mutual sympathy between our peoples. I am sure that these feelings will be clearly reflected in the upcoming events that will take place within the Year of Russia in India and the Year of India in Russia. I am sure that these events will help our peoples communicate more freely and open up new opportunities for cooperation between our countries. And especially importantly, I am sure that they will help us continue the fine traditions in our relations.