Moscow: Expressing confidence that constructive Indo-Russia interaction would serve the purpose of global peace, stability and progress, President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow "highly assesses and earnestly cherishes its noble ties of friendship" with New Delhi.

In his messages to President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on the occasion of the Republic Day, the Russian President also noted that in the recent years the relationship between the two countries has evolved into a strategic partnership.

"Russia highly assesses and earnestly cherishes its noble ties of friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with India which in recent years has evolved into a strategic partnership of the two nations," Putin wrote in his message, according to the Kremlin press office.

He also expressed confidence that Russia and India will further their constructive interaction in bilateral and international affairs for the sake of global peace, stability and progress.

PTI