Moscow: Lauding the "significant success" achieved by the post-independence India in economic, social and cultural spheres, Russian President Vladimir Putin today (Aug 15, 2004) expressed commitment to further strengthen strategic partnership with New Delhi.

"In Russia we are earnestly happy at the significant success achieved by your country in economic and social spheres, at achievements in culture and science," Putin wrote in his message to President A P J Abdul Kalam on the occasion of the Independence Day.

Expressing satisfaction at the relentless expansion of fruitful Indo-Russian cooperation in various fields, Putin underscored that his forthcoming talks with the Indian leaders in New Delhi in December would further strengthen bilateral strategic partnership, Kremlin Press Office said.

In his message to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Putin noted that the sustained character of the bilateral strategic partnership was fruitfully working for the benefit of the people of the two nations.

"For ages Russia and India are tied with the bonds of friendship, shared approaches in resolving key international problems and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

"We highly value that today multi-faceted interaction of Russia and India has acquired the character of sustained strategic partnership working for the benefit of our two peoples," Putin wrote to Singh, expressing confidence that at their New Delhi summit in December, they would be able to discuss further expansion of bilateral ties and key international issues.