PM Modi to be 'Guest of Honour' at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, scheduled from June 1 to 3, as the 'Guest of Honour'.

In response to a question on India as a guest country at the forum, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, "'This is to confirm that India has been invited as a Guest Country at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum which will be held in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia from June 1 to 3, 2017.

"As a part of this, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will attend the Forum as Guest of Honour. Other details of the Prime Minister's visit are being worked out, and we will announce them as and when they are finalized," said a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The forum is an annual Russian business event for the economic sector that witnesses more than 4,000 people from over 60 different countries every year.

The forum brings together the chief executives of major Russian and international companies, heads of state, political leaders, prime ministers, deputy prime ministers, departmental ministers, and governors.

The key purpose of the forum is to provide a practical tool for business, helping to overcome the barriers, both geographical and informational, dividing Russia and other countries.