"In messages addressed to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Russian president stressed that the past year marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states, and, based on the good traditions of friendship and mutual respect, the countries continue to develop a particularly privileged strategic partnership in every possible way, implement major joint projects in the trade, economic, energy, military-technical and other fields," the Kremlin said in a statement.
The Kremlin spokesman noted that the Russian president will not congratulate the leaders of countries unfriendly to Moscow on New Year, there are actually no contacts with them.
Time-Tested Partners
Following February 24, when Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, Western states slapped harsh economic and political sanctions on Russia.
The world has split into those who support Moscow and accuse NATO of provoking the conflict, and those who condemn Russia's actions and impose sanctions on the country, while also ramping up their financial and military aid to Kiev.
Some countries have also taken a neutral position on this issue.
India has not turned its back on its time-tested trade and military partner, but, on the contrary, has even ramped up trade with Moscow, especially regarding energy imports.
Russian officials announced last week that the country's trade with India would exceed $30 billion and set a new record in 2022. What's more, the two nations are gradually moving away from the US dollar and the euro in mutual trade.
New Delhi has repeatedly said that oil imports from Russia ensure India's energy needs, and thus its national security, especially given the tumultuous geopolitical situation worldwide.