Moscow: On the occasion of 55th Republic Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded India's "impressive" achievements in the years of Independence and noted the "important and positive" role played by the nation in the global affairs.

"On the basis of her richest cultural and historic heritage, India has achieved impressive successes in different fields. Thanks to her high authority, your country is playing important and positive role in the world affairs," Putin wrote in his messages to President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on India's Republic Day.

Putin has also underscored the strong traditional ties of friendship between India and Russia and expressed confidence that bilateral strategic partnership would continue to further strengthen in the interests of the people of two countries and the international peace and security, Kremlin press service said.