Russia will remain most important defence partner: Modi

The two leaders met at Delhi's Hyderabad House to strengthen their ties and agreements were signed, including those on atomic energy, oil and gas. They also signed MoU on military personnel training. 

 

In a joint press appearance later, Modi said: "Russia will remain our most important defence partner. We conducted joint exercises across all 3 wings in last 6 months. Both countries will grow further in future."

 

Modi said Russia is India's foremost defence partner since decades and "we have a strategic partnership that is incomparable." 

 

"Energy security is critical, for India's economic development and creating jobs. Russia is also a key partner in this area," said the PM, adding that the first unit of the Kudankulam power plant (built by Russians) in Tamil Nadu is also on stream. 

 

Modi said ten more nuclear reactors are coming up.

 

"On the table are a variety of issues, in keeping with our multi-faceted relations. The agenda is expansive; it deals with energy ties, nuclear energy co-operation, defence and people to people ties," MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

The historic visit is being seen as an attempt to revive historic ties between both the nations especially in the areas of energy, defence and nuclear power, media reports said.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted in Russian earlier: “Delighted to welcome President Putin to India. Looking forward to a productive visit that will take India, Russia ties to newer heights.”

 The PM further said, “Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction.”

 This was Putin’s first summit with PM Modi. The duo had also met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brazil in July this year and during the G-20 summit in Australia last month.
 
The two leaders' one-on-one meeting is being followed by intergovernmental talks. They will also preside over the signing of a broad “vision” document to lay out a roadmap for cooperation over an extended period, sources said.