Modi meets Vladimir Putin, discusses bilateral relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at Fortaleza.

The Prime Minister conveyed his sincere appreciation and admiration for President Putin's decisive leadership in deepening and expanding the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for Russia's friendship and unstinting bilateral and international support for India's economic development and security since the early days of India's independence.

Modi reaffirmed that relations with Russia will continue to enjoy the priority that they always had in India's foreign policy and that he looks forward to working with President Putin to further deepen and broad-base the strategic partnership including in the areas of defence, nuclear energy, space, energy, trade and investment, people-to-people contacts and addressing regional and global challenges.

The two leaders looked forward to their Annual Summit in Delhi in December 2014 as an opportunity to outline a bold vision and roadmap for their relationship in the years ahead.

Prime Minister recalled the warmth and goodwill he had experienced on his earlier visits to Russia and looked forward to visiting Russia in 2015.