Indian PM congratulates Valentina Tereshkova on 40th anniversary of her space flight

Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee sent a message of congratulations to Valentina Tereshkova on the 40th anniversary of her space flight.

I'm happy to express my warmest greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Indian people on the 40th anniversary of your historical space flight, the message reads. Your flight to space as the first woman astronaut aroused admiration of the entire world. Your example inspires many youths in India and other countries of the world, the message of the Indian premier runs.

Vajpayee also underscored that India closely followed Russia's achievements in space, and your co-operation in space technologies for the sake of international development and continuation of scientific research is an important element of our strategic co-operation.

India is grateful for Russia's assistance in its space programme, the congratulatory message reads.