WATCH Video: PM Modi Arrives In Moscow For Key Talks With Russian President Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day visit, during which he is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a wide range of issues.

This visit marks PM Modi's first trip to Russia in nearly five years.

Photo Credit: PTI

WATCH Video: PM Modi Arrives In Moscow

Departing from Delhi at 10:30 am, PM Modi reached Vnukovo-II International Airport in Moscow at 5:10 pm. Upon arrival, he was received by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov.

Notably, Manturov's seniority surpasses that of the Deputy Prime Minister, who had previously received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia. In a rare gesture, Manturov will accompany PM Modi from the airport to his hotel in the same car. On arrival, a guard of honour was presented to PM Modi by the Russian forces.

Following his stay in Moscow, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Austria on July 9 and 10.

This will be PM Modi's first visit to Austria and the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 41 years, since Indira Gandhi's visit in 1983. Prior to his departure, PM Modi stated that his upcoming visits to Russia and Austria would provide opportunities to enhance relations between India and these nations. He noted the time-tested friendship shared between India and both countries.

The Prime Minister also expressed his eagerness to engage with the Indian community residing in Russia and Austria. Discussing his visit to Russia, PM Modi mentioned, "The special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia has progressed significantly over the past ten years, encompassing areas such as energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges."

He added, "I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and exchanging views on various regional and global issues. We aim to play a supportive role in fostering a peaceful and stable region. This visit will also allow me to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Russia."

A private dinner hosted by President Putin for PM Modi is scheduled for the day of his arrival. The following day will include interactions with the Indian diaspora in Russia. PM Modi is also expected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Kremlin on June 9. Subsequently, he will visit the Rosatom pavilion at the exhibition venue in Moscow.

"These engagements will be succeeded by restricted-level talks between the two leaders, followed by delegation-level discussions led by the honourable Prime Minister and the Russian President," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra stated at a media briefing earlier this week.

It is noteworthy that this is PM Modi's first trip to Russia since Moscow launched a military offensive and invaded its neighbour Ukraine in February 2022. His last visit to Russia was in 2019 when he attended an economic conclave in the Far East city of Vladivostok.

Previously, the Kremlin had indicated that deepening trade and economic cooperation would be one of the key themes during the meeting between PM Modi and President Putin.