Manmohan Singh sends letter of felicitation to new Russian President Medvedev

New Delhi, May 7 : The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has sent a letter of felicitation to Dmitri Medvedev, President of the Russian Federation on his inauguration today, wishing him every success in his high responsibilities.

According to a government spokesman, the Prime Minister stated that India drew immense satisfaction from its strategic partnership with Russia.

He said that this partnership is based on deep mutual trust, warm people-to-people bonds and longstanding multi-faceted cooperation.

Dr. Singh further said that India's relations with Russia occupy a special priority in the country's foreign policy.

In accordance with the successful practice of bilateral Summits between India and Russia, the Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to President Medvedev to visit India, the spokesman said.

Medvedev was today sworn in as the third President of Russia since the fall of Soviet Union, opening the doors for dual rule with his mentor, Vladimir Putin who is set to become the new Prime Minister after an eventful eight-year Kremlin rule.

Medvedev, a 42-year-old former corporate lawyer and youngest leader of the country in 114 years, was administered the oath of office by the Chief Justice of the Constitution at a glittering ceremony in Kremlin in the presence of over 2,400 guests.

Putin, 55, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a third consecutive Presidential term, last December named Medvedev, formerly a first Deputy Prime Minister, as his preferred successor.

The two have worked together for over 17 years.

ANI