Russian President Vladimir Putin called up former PM A.B. Vajpayee this evening and expressed a deep appreciation of his ‘‘personal contribution’’ in strengthening Indo-Russian relations. The call, according to sources close to Vajpayee, follows a warm letter by Putin to the former prime minister on May 23. Vajpayee, in turn, expressed the hope the continuity in the process would be maintained. He also expressed appreciation of Putin’s ‘‘personal support’’, which, according to him, was crucial in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries. The call lasted 10 minutes.Vajpayee also received a letter from British Prime minister Tony Blair lauding his ‘‘statesmanship’’. King Jigme Singye Wangchuk of Bhutan and Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa have also written to Vajpayee appreciating his contribution in promoting relations with their countries.
