Prominent Indian public and political figures were awarded Russian state decorations at a ceremony at the Russian embassy in Delhi.
Inder Kumar Gujral, former Indian Prime Minister, diplomat and ambassador to the Soviet Union, Krishna Ayer, President of the Indian Society for Cultural Cooperation and Friendship, and film director Mrinal Sen were awarded the Order of Friendship.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Putin noted that the recipients of this decoration have made an enormous personal contribution to developing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It is through their efforts that Russia and India have such a high level of relations today, the President said.
Mr Putin spoke personally with many of the participants in the ceremony and also with pupils from the school at the Russian embassy.