Modi agrees to visit Russia in ’20

Brasilia, Nov. 14: Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the massive Victory Day celebrations in May next year as the two leaders had an ‘excellent meeting’ here during which they reviewed the progress made in the bilateral ties and discussed ways to further bolster the special strategic partnership.

Modi met Putin on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Brics Summit.

“Had an excellent meeting with President Putin. During our talks, we reviewed the full range of India-Russia relations. India and Russia are cooperating extensively in areas such as trade, security and culture. The people of our nations will benefit due to close bilateral ties,” Modi said in a tweet. During the bilateral meeting, the fourth between the two leaders this year, Modi said the “frequent meetings have strengthened our relations.”

“Our bilateral relations are growing. You have invited me to visit Russia in May for the Victory Day celebrations. I am happily waiting that I will get an opportunity to meet you once again,” the Prime Minister said. Both leaders reviewed the progress made in the bilateral relationship since the Prime Minister’s visit to Vladivostok in September.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction that the $25 billion target of bilateral trade by 2025 had already been achieved. They decided that the first Bilateral Regional Forum at the level of Russian provinces and Indian states be held next year to dismantle the barriers of trade at regional level.

President Putin reiterated the invitation to Modi to visit Moscow to participate in the Victory Day celebrations next year.

“I expect that we will meet in Moscow in May of next year during the celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War. I am very glad to see you,” Putin was quoted as telling Modi by Tass news agency.

I expect that we will meet in Moscow in May of next year during the celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War. — VLADIMIR PUTIN on his invite to PM Modi