OREANDA-NEWS. May 20, 2009. The President warmly congratulated the Prime Minister on the impressive victory of India's United Progressive Alliance in the recent parliamentary elections, describing it as a sign of confidence on the part of the Indian people in the government led by Manmohan Singh.

During the conversation both sides stressed their firm intentions to continue their relations of friendship and mutual understanding and to strengthen the multi-faceted strategic partnership between Russia and India.

Mr Medvedev and Mr Singh also discussed plans for bilateral contacts at various levels.

In the telephone conversation the Russian leader also congratulated Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi, whose party served as the foundation for the United Progressive Alliance.