India, Russia begin 'new era' of cooperation to make Indo-Pacific 'open, free, inclusive': PM Modi

India and Russia are beginning a new era of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to make it "open, free and inclusive", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, amidst China flexing its military muscles in the strategic region.

Addressing the plenary session of the 5th Eastern Economic Forum here, Modi said, "When ships will start plying between Vladivostok and Chennai with the opening of the maritime routes between the two cities, the Russian port city will become the springboard of northeast asia market in India. This will further deepen the Indo-Russia partnership."