Russia will remain our most important defence partner, says PM Modi after summit talks with Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Russia has been India's foremost defence partner since decades and that it will continue to be the most important partner in this field.
Prime Minister Modi said this while addressing a joint press meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the summit level talks between India and Russia came to an end.
"Today we have taken a number of decisions and signed several agreements. This is President Putin's 11th annual summit and my 1st. I am confident that our bilateral cooperation will acquire new vigour," said Modi.
The Russian President expressed satisfaction over the outcome of his visit and said that the two countries placed emphasis on trade and economic issues.
"I am grateful to the PM and all Indian colleagues for their traditional cordial welcome," said Putin.
Putin said that Russia Will help India build at least 20 new nuclear reactors. He also said that India Russia can work together on tackling terrorism.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
They posed for customary photograph before starting talks on a wide range of issues including cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and defence. The two sides are likely to sign a number of deals during the summit talks.
It is the first full-fledged summit between India and Russia after the Modi government took office in May.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: "Beginning with smiles. Prime Minister @narendramodi & Prez @KremlinRussia begin annual summit talks in New Delhi."
Putin, who arrived Wednesday night on a 24-hour visit, was welcomed by Modi via Twitter, saying he looked forward to a "productive visit that will take India-Russia ties to newer heights".
Modi tweeted his welcome in Russian and then in English.
He wrote on his official Twitter handle that he is "delighted" to welcome Putin to India.
Modi said, "The bond between the people of Russia and India is very strong. Our nations have stood by each other through thick and thin".
"Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now, we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction," Modi wrote.
The summit talks are alternatively hosted by Moscow and New Delhi.
Last year the talks were held in Moscow in October and attended by then prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Putin's visit comes at a time when the Russian economy is buffeted by Western economic sanctions over Ukraine and falling oil prices that has led to a sharp tumble of the rouble.
India has already laid the ground for taking forward the ties by stating clearly that it "cannot be party" to any economic sanctions against its old friend.
After the delegation level talks, both sides are to witness the inking of agreements and there will be press statements by both the leaders.
Putin, who brought along with him a 15-member team of top business honchos, will attend an interaction with CEOs at the same venue.
He will then inaugurate the World Diamond Conference at Vigyan Bhavan, and later meet President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening before leaving for home at night.
