Modi seeks to broaden strategic ties with Russia

Fortaleza /New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has favoured broadening of the strategic partnership with Russia in nuclear, defence and energy sectors and invited President Vladimir Putin to visit Kudankulam atomic power project during his trip in December for his annual summit.

The two leaders met for 40 minutes on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here late last night after their Monday meeting was deferred because of Putin's engagements in capital Brasilia. Putin congratulated Modi on his great victory in the recent elections. Modi, who has met Putin in 2001 in Moscow, said that Russia had a time-tested relationship and appreciated that it had been so since early independence. Speaking in Hindi, he remarked, "Even a child in India, if asked to say who is India's best friend will reply it is Russia because Russia has been with India in times of crisis."

He said India was committed to taking the relationship forward and the focus was to broaden the strategic partnership in nuclear, defence and energy sectors besides stepping up people-to-people contacts. The Prime Minister said there was need to look at a liberal visa regime, especially students going for studies.

Modi suggested that President Putin should travel outside Delhi when he comes for the annual summit dialogue in December and visit a nuclear construction site, an apparent reference to the Kudankulam II project. Putin responded saying "it is a good idea".