Warm welcome marks Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an informal meeting on Monday at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow. The meeting is part of PM Modi’s two-day official visit to Russia, aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry shared a video on social media platform X, depicting a warm greeting between the two leaders. The clip shows PM Modi and President Putin embracing, underscoring their shared personal rapport.

“You are welcome here, friend. I’m really happy to see you,” Putin said as he welcomed Modi to his residence.

The informal meeting, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry, focused on the prospects for further development of traditionally friendly Russian-Indian relations and current international and regional issues. The pleasant atmosphere was highlighted by Putin taking PM Modi on a ride in his electric car around the Novo-Ogaryovo residence, a gesture that was also shared in a video by the Russian Embassy in India.

In response, PM Modi expressed his gratitude on X, stating,

PM Modi arrived in Moscow earlier in the day to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. He was received at the Vnukovo-II Airport by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Russia since the onset of the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022. The leaders have met 16 times over the past decade, with their last in-person meeting taking place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022.

In a testament to their strong relationship, PM Modi was awarded Russia’s highest state honour, the ‘Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First,’ in 2019.

Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the nation in 40 years. This tour aims to further bolster India’s diplomatic ties and explore new avenues for cooperation with both Russia and Austria.

The meeting at Novo-Ogaryovo sets a positive tone for the upcoming formal discussions, reflecting the mutual respect and commitment to deepening bilateral ties between India and Russia.