Putin congratulates Modi, hopes for better relations

New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated BJP's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi on the party's spectacular victory in the general election and hoped that relations between the two countries would further improve with Modi at the helm in India.

"We highly appreciate traditionally friendly relations between the two countries based on the declaration of strategic partnership," Putin said to Modi in a congratulatory message.

A statement in this regard was issued by the Russian embassy here Monday.

Referring to the "Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership" in October 2000 during Putin's visit to India, the Russian president said: "The fundamental document signed at the time when your party was in power, determined development of our interaction for the years ahead."

"Impressive results of our fruitful joint work over the time confirmed historic significance of the declaration," the statement said.

"I am convinced that by joint efforts we will succeed in augmenting the previous achievements," it added.