Russian President Vladimir Putin today said his country was looking forward to working closely with newly-elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promised to work for lifting bilateral ties in economic, military and technical cooperation.

“Our relations are above political parties. We are friendly with the Indian people. We want to have good relations with India, Putin told a select group of journalists from the international media.

“I have met him (Modi). I am going to work with him closely,” he said when asked about the Indian election that has thrown up a new government after 10 years.

Asked about Russia’s working with the UPA government in the last 10 years and prospects of working with the new BJP-led government, Putin said the bilateral ties are above political parties.

He said India is an “outstanding civilisation” and congratulated the country on the recent successful conduct of the general elections.

Russia is going to make all arrangements for lifting the bilateral relations in economic, humanitarian, military and technical cooperation, he said.

“We have a lot of cooperation in many areas, historically and otherwise. The prospects of cooperation are high. We are doing everything to fulfil this.”

comment COMMENT NOW