Vladimir Putin visit to take India-Russia ties to newer heights: Narendra Modi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin flew in to New Delhi on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the visit will take the bilateral relations to "newer heights."

"delighted to welcome President Putin to India. looking forward to a productive visit that will take India, Russia ties to newer heights," Modi tweeted in Russian ahead of his talks with Putin on Thursday on close strategic ties particularly in the fields of nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and defence. "Times have changed, our friendship has not. now we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction," he said in a post on the micro-blogging site.

Delighted to welcome President Putin to India. Looking forward to a productive visit that will take India-Russia ties to newer heights: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 10, 2014

The bond between the people of Russia & India is very strong. Our nations have stood by each other through thick and thin: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 10, 2014

Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now, we want to take this relation to the next level & this visit is a step in that direction:PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 10, 2014