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

Speaking to a group of journalists from the international media in St.Petersburg he said, the relations between the two countries are above political parties. He said, Russians are friendly with the Indian people and they want to have good relations with India.

He said India is an outstanding civilisation and congratulated the country on the recent successful conduct of the general elections. Putin said Russia is going to make all arrangements for lifting the bilateral relations to higher pedestal.