PM Modi to meet Russian President Putin on BRICS sidelines

Rio de Janeiro, July 13: Prime Minister

will meet Russian President

on the sidelines of the sixth

summit at Fortaleza in Brazil on Monday.

Modi's meeting with Putin will follow his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinpiang. The Indian prime minister, who took office in May following a massive victory in the general elections, will be meeting the two leaders for the first time.

Modi and Putin are likely to talk on hydrocarbons pipeline from Russia to India. The two leaders are also set to review defence ties between the two nations and stress ways to improve cooperation between two old allies in international politics.

New Delhi is keen to be a part of the Russia-China gas pipeline project

Russia and China signed a $400-billion gas deal in May whereby nearly 40 billion cubic metres of Russian gas would be supplied to China for a period of three decades. India is said to have shown interest to join the project so that the gas supply can be extended to India. A formal announcement on India's joining the project could be made in December when Putin visits India.

Modi is also likely to convey to the Russian president New Delhi's concern over Moscow's decision to withdraw embargo on supplying weapons to Pakistan. The Moscow-Islamabad talks over the supply of MI-35 Hind attack helicopters have been a worry for New Delhi.

Oneindia News