Moscow, Mar 07: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has said that the relations between India and Russia are marked by continuity and stability. ''India-Russia relations are marked by continuity and stability. In recent years, our relationship has been consolidated into a strategic partnership through joint efforts,'' he said in a message of congratulation to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov on assuming office, following approval by the state Duma on Friday.

''We regard you as a good friend of India and value your contributions to the development of our relationship in your previous capacities in the Government of Russian Federation,'' the PM said. In the start of his diplomatic career, Fradkov had served in India as an official of the trade mission of the erstwhile USSR to India.

Bureau Report