BRICS summit: PM Modi welcomes Putin, wishes him a 'fruitful' visit

With the 17th India Russia Annual Summit set to begin in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived here today.

"India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit. @KremlinRussia_E," the Prime Minister tweeted as he also posted a message in Russian.

Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will review the entire gamut of India Russia relations during their bilateral talks.

The focus will be on defence and nuclear cooperation with terrorism being a key issue. India's envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran yesterday said that new areas like energy, infrastructure, railways, and agriculture and high technology will also be discussed.

Both leaders will hold restricted talks in the forenoon which will be followed by delegation level talks.

They will also witness the laying of the Foundation Concrete of the 3rd and 4th units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

Both countries are likely to sign a multi billion deal for the S-400 Triumf long range air defence missile systems.

The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma in the evening on the sidelines of the five-nation BRICS Summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet.