Days after he held crucial talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Russia on May 21 for an informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the summit, Indian Envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran said the Modi-Putin meet on Monday in Russia’s Sochi city will be different from past, adding that the visit comes “very early, very soon” in Putin’s fourth term.
It’s very important and different kind of meeting between PM Modi and President Putin. Difference is President Putin invited PM to come to visit him and discuss various issues almost within two weeks of him becoming President of Russia for the fourth time.Pankaj Saran, Indian Envoy to Russia to ANI.
“There is a desire to discuss with PM Modi the future priorities of Russia, its foreign policy and ways in which the two countries can improve one another’s economy and international sphere,” said the Indian envoy.
The delegation talks scheduled at 1 pm followed by luncheon were deemed as a great opportunity by Saran. “We expect the leaders to be together for a few hours. It is a great opportunity to discuss different issues,” Saran said.
On Iran Nuclear Deal
The Iran nuclear deal is also likely to be one of the cornerstones of the informal summit. After the withdrawal of the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, PM Modi and Putin are likely to discuss the repercussions of the same, ANI reported.
Iran is a very important subject and I am sure, it will come up for discussion between the two leaders as they both share relations with Iran and have stakes in that country.Saran, Indian Envoy to Russia, to ANI
On Terrorism
Citing mutual interest in the burgeoning crisis of Afghanistan and Syria, the envoy added, “The two leaders will also discuss the situation in Afghanistan and Syria since the entire problem in Syria is related to international terrorism.”
On Russia’s Role in India
On Russia’s role in India’s development projects, he said:
Russia is participating in the construction of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. It has committed to building six plants in Kudankulam. We have signed an agreement with Russia to construct more units in India.
President Putin will be visiting India later for a formal summit and this frequency is being seen as a strengthening of relationship between the two countries, ANI reported.
(With inputs from ANI, The Indian Express)
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