Fifty years ago today, the world witnessed the historic event of the formation of thee UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS undr the illustrious leadership of Vladimir llyich Lenin. The transformation of this multi-national Socialist State into a modern, prosperious nation, full of vitality; its heroism in the face of foreign invasion; its contributions to Science and Technology; and its support for peace, national freedom and social progress are a source of pride for every Soviet citizen. The friendship between India and the Soviet Union is based on mutuality of interests and the desire for peace and friendship among nations.

The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Co-operation, signed in August, 1971, embodies these principles. We rejoice with the Soviet peoples on this occasion. The P & T Department considers it aprivilege to bring out a stamp to commemorate this glorious event. The stamp. designed and printred by the India Security Press, Nasik, depicts the Flag of thre USSR and the Kremlin Tower. Mesage from V.V. Giri.resident of India, to His Excellency Mr. N. V. Podgorny, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme of the USSR, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

I send you, and through you, to the friendly Soviet people sincere greetings and heartfelt congratulations on the happy occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics fifty years ago was a memorious event and greeted with pride and joy by the peoples of the Soviet Union. We rejoice ith you on this occsion. The last fifty years have been years of endeavour and achievement for the Soviet Union during which a high level of economic development has been realised, togather with the introduction of progressive social reforms and the achievement of universal education. The Sovet people can be legitimately proud of their all-round progress which they have made in the cause of national construction. We note with particular satifaction that the relationship between India and Soviet Union have steadily gron over the years. This close friendship beteen our to countries is based on not only on the mutual beenefir e derive as a result of our meaningful co-operation, but also on the recognition of the contribution that this makes to international peace and security. Please accept, Excellency, sincer greetings and good ishes on behalf of the people of India and on my own behalf for the further successes of the Soviet Union and for the welfare and prosperilty of the great Soviet people.

Message from Smt. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, to His Excellency Mr. A. N. Kosygin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. On behalf of the Government and people of India I offer you our warm felicitaions on the fiftieth anniverasry of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Soviet people can be justly proud of their economic, scientific and cultural achievements during these five decades and of their sustained contribution to peace and to the battle of human equaity.

We are confident that the friendship and co-operation which was developed between our two countries over the years will be further strengthened in the future to our mutual benefit and in the interest of international peace and progress. My warm greetings and good wishes for the greater prosperity of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and for the welfare and happiness of the friendly people of the Soviet Union. Please accept, Excelency, the asuarnces of my highest consideartion. Message from Swaran Singh, Foreign Ministeer, on the occasion of the special commemorativee stamp being issued on the 30th December, 19772. The establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has been a significant event in the world history. Today we in India mark th 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics wwith the issue of a commemorative stamp.

A few years ago I was present in Moscow for the celebrations connected with the 50th anniversary and had the opportunity to experience once again the warmth of the friendly feelings which the Soviet peoplee entertain towards the people of India. I am confident that the friendship and close co-operation which exist betwen our two countries will be further strengthened in the years to come to our mutual benefit as wwell as in the interest of international peace and security. Our greetings and good wishes go to friendly people of the Soviet Union for their further successes in the future.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India