Russian Defence Minister meets PM Modi ahead of Barack Obama's India visit

New Delhi, Jan 21: The "time-tested special and privileged" strategic partnership between India and Russia acquired a new momentum with the visit of President Vladimir Putin last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday.

He stated this when

called on him here. The Prime Minister recalled a very successful visit of the

to India in December 2014.

During Putin's visit, the two countries signed 20 agreements in oil, gas, defence, investment and other key sectors to give a boost to their "special strategic partnership".

Russia had also agreed to build at least 12 nuclear reactors, besides manufacturing advanced dual-use helicopters during the visit.

Calling Russia a "pillar of strength" for India, Modi, in a joint media interaction with Putin, had said the strategic partner will remain New Delhi's "most important defence partner" though options have increased.

Modi also told Shoigu on Wednesday that he looked forward to his visit to Russia later this year for the 7th BRICS Summit and the bilateral Annual Summit, a PMO statement said.

Shoigu is visiting India for the 14th meeting of the Inter Governmental Commission on Military and Technical Cooperation which is co-chaired by the Defence Minister of India.

PTI