PM Modi Leaves for 3-Day Visit to Russia, Austria; To Discuss Bilateral & Global Issues with Putin

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a visit to Russia and Austria on Monday.

He said he will review all aspects of bilateral cooperation apart from discussing various regional and global issues with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia.

In a statement ahead of his departure for Russia for the 22nd India-Russian Annual Summit and Austria, he said, “I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. The visit will also provide me an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia.”

PM Modi will reach Moscow on Monday evening. President Putin is holding a private dinner in his honour. On Tuesday, PM Modi will interact with the Indian community in Russia, pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in the Kremlin and visit an exhibition in Moscow.

It will be followed by summit-level talks between Modi and Putin and delegation-level talks between the two countries.

A whole range of issues, including defence, trade linkages, culture, education, civil nuclear cooperation, culture and people-to-people contacts, will be on the agenda. They will also discuss various global developments.

The last annual summit between the two countries was held in New Delhi in December 2021.

After ending his Russia visit on Tuesday evening, PM Modi will leave for Austria in what will be the first visit of an Indian PM to the European nation after 41 years.

”Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities. I will also be interacting with the Indian community in Austria who is well regarded for their professionalism and conduct,” PM Modi said.