"My mind goes back to 2001. I had just assumed charge as Gujarat CM and had accompanied Atal ji to Russia. This was, perhaps, one of the first India-Russia annual Summits, a practice that goes on till date,"said Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left on a two-day visit to Russia that is expected to take the already close strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher trajectory as he said the trip will deepen bilateral cooperation in economic, energy and security spheres.
Setting the tone for the visit, the Prime Minister said Russia remained one of India's "most valued" friends in the world and that he was "very optimistic" about outcomes of the annual summit talks with President Vladimir Putin tomorrow.
In his Facebook post, PM Modi said, "Today I will commence my visit to Russia, my first bilateral visit after we formed the Government. I am very optimistic about the outcome of this visit. History is witness to the close ties India and Russia have had over the decades. Russia remains one of India's most valued friends in the world."
"My mind goes back to 2001. I had just assumed charge as Gujarat CM and had accompanied Atal ji to Russia. This was, perhaps, one of the first India-Russia annual Summits, a practice that goes on till date,"he added.
He further asserted that his visit would deepen the cooperation between India and Russia in the economic, energy and security spheres.
Also read: Here is PM Modi's post on Russia visit
"We also want to increase cooperation in science and technology, mining among other sectors. Trade ties between India and Russia can increase even further, to benefit not only our two nations but also the world," he said.
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that the visit would witness extensive deliberations with President Vladmir Putin.
"There will be an interaction with Russian businesspersons to invite them to invest in India. I will also attend a 'Friends of India' programme. I am certain that this visit will substantially take forward the already strong people to people ties between our nations," he said.
Also read: In Russia, Narendra Modi will regale 3,000 'friends of India'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Russia on Wednesday for annual summit talks with President Vladimir Putin that is aimed at further expanding the special and privileged strategic ties with a particular focus on nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, defence and trade.
After the talks on Thursday, the two "time-tested" partners are likely to ink a number of pacts in a range of sectors including nuclear energy and defence. The talks between the two countries at the highest level have been taking place alternately in Moscow and New Delhi since 2000.
Besides bilateral issues, Modi and Putin are likely to deliberate on a number of global issues having political dimensions including sthe ituation in Syria and ways to tackle terrorism.
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