Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that India "rightfully enjoys considerable prestige on the world stage" and plays an "important constructive role" in resolving pressing issues on the international agenda.
In a message to the newly-elected President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's independence, Putin also touched on the continued growth of privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.
"Russian-Indian relations are developing in the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership. Moscow and New Delhi are cooperating successfully in various areas, effectively interacting within the framework of the UN, BRICS, SCO and other multilateral structures," said Putin.
The Russian President emphasised that by joint efforts, New Delhi and Moscow will ensure the further development of the whole range of productive interstate ties for the benefit of friendly peoples and in the interests of strengthening security and stability at the regional and global level.
"Over the decades of independent development, your country has achieved universally recognized success in the economic, social, scientific, technical and other fields. India rightfully enjoys considerable prestige on the world stage and plays an important constructive role in resolving pressing issues on the international agenda," he added.
In a separate message, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that India, one of the leading states in the world, enjoys well-earned respect in the international arena and has a serious impact on regional and global processes.
It said that, over the years of independent development, the Indians have travelled an impressive path, created a democratic society, and achieved significant success in the socioeconomic, scientific and technical fields, while maintaining a vibrant identity based on centuries of history and rich cultural heritage.
Congratulating "Indian friends" on the 75th anniversary of independence, Moscow highlighted that both Russia and India have been linked by decades of strong friendship with the relations having now reached the advanced status of the special and privileged strategic partnership.
.@MFA_russia: On August 15, the Republic of #India mark the 75th anniversary of independence gained in 1947 following a long and hard struggle against the British colonisers.#indiaat75 pic.twitter.com/eQWoIlLnuA
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) August 15, 2022
"Moscow and New Delhi maintain an intensive political dialogue and strengthen interaction within multilateral formats such as the UN, SCO, BRICS and G20 in the interests of achieving a truly multipolar, just international order. Cooperation in defence and security, trade and economy, the peaceful atom and space exploration, education and culture is confidently reaching new heights," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, to mark the occasion, the Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov on Monday decided to launch a Hindi account on the made-in-India micro-blogging platform Koo.
"Russia as a trusted friend extends the best wishes to India on her path of progress for the benefit and prosperity of the Indian people. Jai Hind! Jai Rus!" he said in another message.
Earlier in the day, extending his greetings on the occasion of India completing 75 years of freedom, the US President Joe Biden said that India and the United States – both "great democracies" – remain indispensable partners.
"I am confident that in the years ahead, our two democracies will continue to stand together to defend the rules-based order; foster greater peace, prosperity and security for our people; advance a free and open Indo-Pacific; and together address the challenges we face around the world," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.
The US-India Strategic Partnership, he said, is grounded in the both countries' shared commitment to the rule of law and the promotion of human freedom and dignity. The partnership, added the US President, is further strengthened by the deep bonds between people with the vibrant Indian-American community in the United States making the US a more innovative, inclusive, and stronger nation.
"As people around the world, including nearly four million proud Indian-Americans, celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence on August 15, the United States joins the people of India to honor its democratic journey, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth and non-violence," said Biden.
Dear friend @NarendraModi, dear people of India, congratulations on your Independence Day! As you proudly celebrate India’s stunning achievements in the past 75 years, you can count on France to always stand by your side.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 15, 2022
French President Emmanuel Macron also sent his message, stating that India can always count on France.
"Dear friend @NarendraModi, dear people of India, congratulations on your Independence Day! As you proudly celebrate India’s stunning achievements in the past 75 years, you can count on France to always stand by your side," tweeted Macron.
Also Read: 'Great democracies' India and US are indispensable partners: Joe Biden
