PM meets Putin, wants to broaden strategic partnership

Says nuclear, defence and energy sectors will be looked at

Saying India is committed to taking its relationship with Russia forward, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it will try to broaden the strategic partnership with Russia in nuclear, defence and energy sectors.

 

Modi also invited President Vladimir Putin to visit Kudankulam atomic power project during his trip to India in December.

 

The two leaders met for 40 minutes on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here late last night after their Monday meeting was deferred because of Putin's engagements in capital Brasilia.

 

Putin congratulated Modi on his great victory in the recent elections.

 

Modi, who met Putin in 2001 in Moscow, said that Russia is a time-tested relationship. "Russia has been with India in times of crisis," he added.

 

The prime minister said there was need to look at a liberal visa regime, especially for students going for studies, besides stepping up people-to-people contacts.

 

President Putin acknowledged that there was a case for looking at it, MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said.

 

Putin in turn said Russia places its relations with India high enough in the strategic framework. 

 

Modi also appreciated Putin's speech at the BRICS summit, saying it was clear on issues like reforms of the UN security council and international financial organisations.