Putin greets President, PM on New Year

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday sent new year greetings to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exuding confidence of implementing several major joint projects in a range of key areas including atomic energy and defence in 2015.

In separate letters to Mukherjee and Modi, Putin said he was convinced that the “time-tested friendship” between the two countries has a bright future while noting that the “privileged strategic partnership” became stronger in the year gone by.

“I am convinced that in 2015, relying on our achievements, we will succeed in ensuring implementation of a whole range of major joint projects in the spheres of atomic energy, military and technical cooperation, modern technologies as well as effectively coordinating efforts in addressing topical issues of the regional and international agenda,” Putin said in his letter to Modi.

The Russian President, who earlier this month held annual summit-talks with Modi here, said the India-Russia ties will benefit the “prosperity of our friendly nations, ensure peace, security and stability on the Eurasian continent and worldwide”.