Defense security, counter terrorism to dominate in Indo-Russia talks: MEA

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting here ahead of the BRICS summit, both nations are expected to cover a host of areas in their bilateral talks including defence and energy, trade and investment. Speaking to ANI here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Saturday said that India expects very substantive and fruitful discussions on a whole range of issues.

"The India-Russia partnership covers a whole host of areas and not just the defence and energy but also trade and investment ties will be a major focus. Infrastructure, greater partnership on the energy side as well and of course defense security, counter terrorism are expected to dominate," Swarup said.

Further stating that the two leaders are also going to witness the laying of the foundation of Kundankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 and 4, he added that a joint statement can be expected between India and Russia and a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

"The Prime Minister is expected to have two more bilaterals. The first is with the president of China and then with the President of South Africa. Then the leaders will have a group photo with the BRICS under 17 football team captains," Swarup said.

The MEA spokesperson asserted that the photo op with the football captains was a very important initiative, which contributes to greater people-to-people ties between the BRICS nations.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to welcome President Putin saying that, "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit. @KremlinRussia_E"

Later in the day, both leaders held restricted talks which were then followed by delegation level talks.

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.