Vladimir Putin gifts Bapu’s handwritten notes, Bengal sword to Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after signing multiple MoUs with Russian President Vladimir Putin on various issues, addressed the Indian community at “Friends of India” organised by the Indian community in Expocentre in Moscow on Thursday.

Russian Federation and India are historic allies and have maintained strong military, economic and diplomatic ties since the end of the Cold War.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they leave a news conference following their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow.

“If you’re interested in this we could ask our today’s organizers from the side of Russian and Indian business to hold similar meetings focusing particularly on cooperation in the fields of economy and business twice a year”.

Speaking on the occasion, Russian President Putin said that Indian companies could have better involvement in Russia’s oil and gas sector.

India has not criticised Russian Federation over its annexation of Crimea, and has objected to western sanctions against Moscow, but has also given the appearance of wanting to maintain a distance from Putin’s increasingly assertive strategic thrust beyond his country’s borders. He said strengthening of bilateral relations will help the two countries emerge as a new power in Central Asia and Eurasia will be a catalyst for economic development of the region. It supports my mission of Make in India.

They could announce also the location of a new Russian nuclear plant in south India’s Andhra Pradesh, an extension of the Russian nuclear plant under construction in Kudankulam where one reactor is already in operation.

The two sides are expected to review progress in their strategic partnership and discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in all spheres, including civil nuclear energy, defence, energy, culture and people-to-people contacts. India and Pakistan recently made a decision to launch a comprehensive dialogue after Modi and Sharif met in the French capital in the last week of November. “We are developing parliamentary ties and our Intergovernmental Commission is working actively”, said President Putin.

The countries will also work together in the chemical and diamond industries, and on nuclear technology. In this moment of grief and challenge, we stand in solidarity with the people of Russian Federation.

“What better day than the birthday of Atalji for this path-breaking departure”, Madhav, who plays an important role in shaping the party’s views on external affairs, tweeted.