This PM Modi's Russia visit is different from earlier ones: Indian envoy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia will be different this time from others as Russian President Vladimir Putin has himself invited the prime minister within two weeks of again becoming the president of Russia, Indian envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran exclusively told ANI.

"It's very important and different kind of meeting between PM Modi and President Putin. Difference is President Putin invited PM to come to visit him and discuss various issues almost within two weeks of him becoming President of Russia for the fourth time," Pankaj Saran, Indian Ambassador to Russia.

"It's great opportunity for personal chemistry between them to discuss different issues," he added.

The ambassador said the two leaders will discuss mutual cooperation to improve each other's economy and influence in international sphere.

Prime Minister is scheduled for an informal meeting with Putin in Russia's Sochi city on May 21. The visit came a month after PM Modi held a similar informal meeting with China's Xi Jinping in Hubei province.

Apart from holding bilateral talks on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, Saran said PM Modi and Putin may also discuss the repercussions of Iran nuclear deal post the withdrawal of the United States from the same.

Since India and Russia are both victims of terrorism, the two sides will also discuss ISIS threat and the situation in Afghanistan and Syria.

According to Saran, the nuclear cooperation in a third country may also figure in their talks.

"Emerging area of co-operation in nuclear sector is, possible co-operation between India and Russia in third countries. In Bangladesh, government is building Rooppur Nuclear Plant. We look forward to work where Russian and Indian expertise can be merged," Saran told ANI in Sochi.

On reaching, PM Modi will be received by local dignitaries at the airport. He is then scheduled to visit the residence resort of Putin.

Sochi is a significant place for Russia because of its magnificent infrastructure.

Later this year, Putin will also visit India for a regular summit, Saran said.

Putin has met many world leaders in last ten days.

This will be the first meeting between Putin and Modi this year, however, since the beginning of the year, the two leaders have had several phone conversations.