Indian President Pratibha Patil begins a state visit to Russia on Wednesday, confident that relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen and develop.

In an interview with Itar-Tass head of her trip, she noted that "relations between India and Russia are noted for "succession, mutual trust and reliability," and are an example of friendly interaction and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Indian Foreign Ministry announced that Pratibha Patil''s sojourn in Moscow envisions meetings and talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The heads of the two states will attend a gala concert which will take place on the new stage of the Bolshoi Theatre and is expected to become of the most vivid events of the on-going Year of India cultural festival in Russia.

The program of her trip includes a visit to St.Petersburg. The Indian president will go on a sightseeing tour of Russia''s second largest city and see a school where Hindu is taught.

Pratibha Patil, who is visiting Russia for the first time, said she is looking forward to meeting with the Russian leaders. In her opinion, “close friendship and special relations between the two states will grow in strength even more”.

She also noted that “India experiences a firm feeling of emotional attachment to Russia”.