Vladimir Putin Gifts PM Modi Gandhi’s Notes, 18th Century Indian Sword

Modi, who is said to look upon both Russian Federation and Putin as friends, will begin the trip with a private dinner hosted by Putin Wednesday evening in Moscow. This I have not experienced with President Putin. Not so long ago, for example, a package of contracts on equipment supply worth RUB 122 billion was signed with Power Machines, including supply for Kudankulam NPP in India and Bushehr NPP in Iran. Russian Federation is now our leading worldwide partner.

The two countries have outlined an “ambitious vision” for nuclear energy and agreed that the new reactors would be built over the next 20 years.

Even as the United States of America, Israel and France are making inroads into the lucrative Indian defence market, Modi pointed out India and Russian Federation enjoyed robust partnership in the field of defence, nuclear energy, science and technology and other areas.

Modi is seeking to expand the country’s nuclear energy use to meet the rising energy needs of the coal-dependent nation amid global warming risks, with a programme for at least 12 new reactors. The two leaders final had a proper interplay on the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Ufa metropolis of Russia, in July. India and the USA already trade at close to $100 billion a year. Modi will address a gathering of Friends of India and also meet members of the Indian community in Russian Federation. However, it has failed to deliver to its full potential. We have committed to increase this to $30 billion by 2025.

“We had discussions with Russian Federation on the Eurasian economic zone and the FTA (free trade agreement) with them”. Needless to say, Indian PM Narendra Modi was the most discussed topic on Facebook followed by E-commerce boom, A.P.J Abdul Kalam and the movie Baahubali.

Russian Federation and India need to invest more in energy ties, Modi has urged. The aircraft carrier “INS Vikramaditya”, Sukhoi fighter jets and Brahmos cruise missiles are great symbol of our defence cooperation.

Moscow and New Delhi have targeted a five-fold increase in mutual investment as well as a significant boost to trade during the next ten years. Both of the nations have made good efforts to continue maintain good relations.

Kommersant noted also on the agenda is India’s purchase agreement for two diesel-electric submarines of the Project 636, the Varshavyanka class, 48 Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters, and 4 improved Krivak- or Talwar-class stealth frigates with Russia, The Hindu reported today, citing unnamed official sources.