Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM's Statement on Departure to Moscow

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, left for Moscow today to participate in the 60th anniversary of 'Victory Day'. Dr. Singh is likely to meet the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikstan and Romania, apart from holding discussions with the Russian President, Vladmir Putin. Following is the statement made by the Prime Minister on his departure to Moscow:

"I am leaving for Moscow to participate in the commemorative events being organised by the Russian Federation to mark the 60th Anniversary of 'Victory Day'. India will be present along with several important countries at this commemorative event.

On this occasion, we recall the immense sacrifices made by Russia and other allied countries in defeating the forces Fascism and Nazism in the Second World War. Several thousand Indian troops also laid down their lives in this cause.

We attach the highest importance to our relations with Russia, which has been a tried and tested friend, and has stood by us in times of need. I look forward to my meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Our discussions will aim to build upon the successful visit of President Putin to India in December last year and the common objective we share of further consolidating our relations of strategic partnership. The high momentum that characterizes our relations will be further demonstrated by the fact that the Rashtrapathiji will be a paying a State Visit to the Russian Federation later this month.

I also hope to use the opportunity of this occasion to have meetings with a number of leaders who will be in Moscow, including with the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Romania."