Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to Russia in nine years. The visit aims to strengthen the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia.
Upon arrival at VNUKOVO-II International Airport, PM Modi was accorded a guard of honour and received by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. In a rare gesture, Manturov accompanied the Prime Minister to his hotel in the same car.
The Indian community in Moscow turned out in force to welcome PM Modi, with enthusiastic displays including traditional dhol performances and bhajan singing outside his hotel. Russian artists also performed Hindi songs to greet the Indian leader.
During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. This meeting will be their 17th encounter in the past decade, underscoring the importance of India-Russia relations.
“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,” PM Modi said in a statement before his departure.
The visit includes plans for delegation-level talks, a luncheon hosted by President Putin, and the signing of bilateral documents. PM Modi will also address the Indian diaspora in Moscow and visit an exhibition at the VDNKH Complex.
India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that it comes after a gap of nine years since the last Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Moscow in 2015.
The India-Russia relationship, elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010, spans various sectors including energy, security, trade, and culture. Both nations are expected to discuss ways to further enhance this multifaceted cooperation.
After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will depart for Austria in what is the first visit to the nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
In his departure statement, PM Modi stated, “In Austria, I will have the opportunity to meet President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Austria is our steadfast and reliable partner and we share the ideals of democracy and pluralism.”(ANI)
(Inputs from ANI)