Narendra Modi to visit Russia, hopes to discuss entire gamut of bilateral ties & global issues

"I look forward to discussing with my friend President Vladimir Putin the entire gamut of our bilateral partnership as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest," Modi said in his pre-departure statement on Tuesday.

India has the status of a guest country at the EEF 2019, it was officially announced by the Forum in its official website. It also said at the invitation of Russian President, Mr Modi will be the 'main guest' of the EEF 2019 and will head the Indian delegation at the forum.

"Thanks to initiatives carried out by the Indian government to facilitate business, India has become the only nation in the world to be included in the list of the top ten leading countries in the World Bank’s ease of doing business index two years in a row," it said.

"I also look forward to meeting other global leaders attending the Eastern Economic Forum, and interacting with Indian Industry and business representatives participating in it," Prime Minister Modi said.

However, there is no official confirmation yet about the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad during the Eastern Economic Forum meet.

"As of now we are still awaiting confirmation on the bilateral (between PM Modi and Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad)," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters here on Monday.

Gokhale was replying to specific question whether matters related to radical Islamic preacher Zakir Naik could be raised at the bilateral meeting between two leaders.

In recent past, the authorities in Malaysia have given mixed signals on Naik after it was reported in a section of Malaysian media that controversial tele evangelist Zakir Naik's Permanent Resident status given by Malaysian government may be revoked as Naik had indulged in 'politics' and not mere religious preaching.

The Eastern Economic Forum will also be attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The three-day event will also see participation from a number of other countries at ministerial level, including China, South Korea, North Korea, Singapore and Indonesia.

The three-day Eastern Economic Forum 2019 will take place at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) campus.

The Eastern Economic Forum was established by decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in 2015 to support the economic development of Russia’s Far East and to expand international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

To a question, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale also said it is "unlikely" that there will be any discussion on 5G and cyber security at the leaders' level.

"The 20th India-Russia Annual Summit would also be held during the visit to Vladivostok. I look forward to holding extensive talks with President Putin, aimed at strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," Prime Minister tweeted.

"My visit to Far East Region of Russia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, underlines the desire on the both sides to diversify and further strengthen the bonds of our robust bilateral relations," he said.

"The objective of my visit is two-fold- to participate as the Chief Guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and to hold the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit with him," Prime Minister said in his statement.

The Forum focuses on development of business and investment opportunities in the Russian Far East Region, and presents enormous potential for developing close and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Russia in this region, he said.

Modi also said: "Our two countries enjoy excellent relations, based on the strong foundation of our special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both countries cooperate extensively in the strategic fields of defence, civil nuclear energy and peaceful uses of space. We have robust and growing trade and investment relations".

"Our strong partnership is complemented by a desire to promote a multipolar world and the two countries closely cooperate towards this end in regional and multilateral fora."

"As a part of efforts to boost cultural cooperation, a special stamp to commemorate Gandhi Ji’s 150th Jayanti would be released. An innovative App to popularise Yoga would also be inaugurated. I hope more Russian sisters and brothers make Yoga an integral part of their routine," Modi wrote in a series of tweets.

He also wrote: "....there would also be a visit to the Zvezda ship-building complex. It would present a great opportunity to learn about Russia’s exemplary capabilities in the ship-building sector as well as explore possibilities of cooperation in this area".