India, Dec. 3 -- Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India on Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hailed the bilateral ties between the two countries, calling it "old, serious and strong relationship".

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament on Wednesday, Tharoor called the upcoming visit "very important", while also highlighting the significance of India-Russia ties.

"It is a very important visit. It's an extremely important relationship," ANI news agency quoted the Thiruvananthapuram MP as saying. "Russia is an old relationship, its a serious relationship, its a strong relationship," he added.

Putin will be visiting India from December 4-5 for the 23rd annual India-Russia Summit, on the invitation of Prime Mini...