NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day high-profile visit to Russia. He was greeted at the airport by Denis Manturov, Russia‘s first deputy prime minister.
PM Modi’s visit, his first to Russia in nearly five years, comes at a crucial time for both countries. His last visit was in 2019, when he attended an economic conclave in Vladivostok.
On Monday, following his interaction with the Indian community in Moscow, PM Modi engaged in an informal meeting with President Putin at the latter’s residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, situated on the outskirts of the Russian capital. The two leaders drank tea on a terrace while engaging in conversation. They then proceeded to take a ride together in a golf cart.
PM Modi’s schedule for second-day of Russia visit
On Tuesday, a series of events are lined up for PM Modi. His day will commence with a Community Event, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’, a war memorial dedicated to Soviet soldiers who died fighting Axis forces during World War II.
He will then visit the ROSATOM Pavilion at VDNKh, an important site showcasing Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology.
The day will proceed with a restricted meeting at the Kremlin between PM Modi and Russian president, which will set the stage for delegation level Talks. These talks are expected to culminate in the exchange of documents.
At the 22nd India-Russia annual summit scheduled for Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are likely to discuss the further strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations across various sectors. The key areas of focus are expected to include trade, energy, and defence cooperation.
In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the advancements made in the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia over the past decade. “The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past 10 years, including in areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” PM Modi had said.
“I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues,” he added.
Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to depart for Vienna, Austria, concluding his visit to Russia. “This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 41 years,” ministry of external affairs said in a statement.