India, Russia have been friends for a long time, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Sochi on Monday held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of an informal summit between the two nations.

After the meet, PM said, "Russia played a major role in helping India get a permanent membership in SCO. We are working together on International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and BRICS."

Putin and Modi met for an informal summit with that focused on global and regional issues, including the impact of the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, according to official sources.

During their informal summit in Russian city of Sochi on Monday, the two leaders will primarily focus on pressing global and regional issues, including impact of the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

The informal Summit in Russia's Sochi between PM Modi and President Putin is in keeping with the tradition of regular consultations between India and Russia at the highest levels.

The two leaders to exchange views on international matters in a broad& long-term perspective with the objective of further strengthening Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.