Vladivostok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Wednesday on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) and discussed ways to further cement the special and privileged ‘Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries.
Narendra Modi, who arrived in Russia on a two-day visit during which he will also attend the Eastern Economic Forum, is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit to the Russian Far East Region.
“This is a historical occasion to give a new dimension to the cooperation between the two countries,” Modi said in his opening remarks at the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the EEF, which Russia has hosted since 2015 to boost partnerships with Asian countries.
Narendra Modi said Russia is an ‘integral friend and trustworthy partner’ of India as he praised President Vladimir Putin’s personal efforts on expanding the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.
“On many occasions, I have spoken to you over telephone to discuss several issues and I have never felt any hesitation,” Narendra Modi told Putin.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to President Putin and the people of Russia for conferring Russia’s highest civilian award on him. “This demonstrates the friendly relations between the people of our two countries. It’s a matter of honour not only for me but for the 1.3 billion Indians,” Modi pointed out.
Modi was named for the ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ award by Russia in April for his exceptional services in promoting bilateral ties between the two countries. The award is the highest state decoration of Russia.
The two leaders are expected to discuss a number of key regional issues, including the Afghan peace process and situation in the Gulf region.
Both sides are expected to firm up a five-year roadmap 2019-2024 laying out possibilities of cooperation in oil and gas sector, in terms of exploration and exploitation, and purchase.
At present, India relies heavily on the Gulf region for its energy requirement. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said India is looking at Russia as a major source of hydrocarbons so as to end its complete dependency on the Gulf region.
Earlier, Modi was warmly welcomed at the Vladivostok airport on his third bilateral visit to Russia. He received a Guard of Honour at the airport.
Russia and India are set to sign about 15 documents during Modi’s visit. Among these some are in the military-technical sectors, within the framework of the 20th Russian-Indian summit that will take place on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), a ‘Tass’ report stated.
PTI