India committed to strengthen ties with Russia: PM

New Delhi, Nov 11: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today declared that India was committed to further deepen its strategic relationship with Russia in the field of trade and investment, defence, energy security, science and technology, space and other areas.

''During a meeting wih President Vladimir Putin, I will convey to him the high priority that India attaches to its partnership with Russia and the benefits that the partnership has brought to our two people'' Dr Singh said in a statement before his departure for Moscow on a two-day visit.

Dr Singh is accompanied by a high-level delegation which includes National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, Foreign Secretary Shivshanker Menon and Mr T K A Nair, Principal Secreatry to the Prime Minister.

He expressed confidence that his visit would lead to a reaffirmation of the joint endeavour of the two countries towards creating greater peace, prosperity and stability in the world.

He said the bilateral annual summits between India and Russia had helped consolidation of relations between the two countries.

''India-Russia strategic partnership is an enduring bond of friendship which has taken strong historical roots. Our relationship has traditionally been of stability, peace in the region and beyond.'' He said he was convinced that the strong fundamentals of mutual trust and shared world view on regional and global issues will continue to bring the two countries closer together in a dynamic international environment. ''Our multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Russia is based on longterm interest.'' Recalling establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia 60 years back, Dr Singh said as ''we rejoice in our joint accomplishments during six decades of unbroken friendship, we also stand committed to further deepen our partnership in the field of trade and investment, defence, energy security, science and technology, space and other areas of mutual benefit.''

UNI