Kremlin (Russia) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage at the tomb of the ‘unknown soldier’ Alexandrovskysad here.
“A tribute to the famed valour of Russia’s soldiers. PM @narendramodi lays wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” tweeted Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
The Prime Minister and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold the 16th India-Russia Annual Summit talks soon, following which the two sides are expected to sign a number of pacts, expanding cooperation in key areas including defence, nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and trade.
Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are likely to deliberate on a number of global issues having political dimensions including the situation in Syria and ways to tackle terrorism.
Apart from the bilateral meetings and issuing a joint statement, the Prime minister will also address at a gathering of friends of India.
The talks between the two countries, bound by special and privileged strategic ties, have been taking place alternately in Moscow and New Delhi since 2000.
It will be Prime Minister Modi’s second summit with President Putin, who had travelled to New Delhi last year for the 15th India-Russia Summit.
Prime Minister yesterday received a red carpet welcome on his first bilateral visit to Russia.
Today, he will be greeted with twin cultural programmes ‘Abhinandan’ and ‘Abhivyakti’.
In a unique gesture, Russian artistes will display Indian art forms in two programmes to welcome him. The cultural shows will display the popularity of Indian cultural traditions in Russia and the importance of inter-cultural understanding.
“What can be a better way to celebrate strong people to people ties between India & Russia! This is an evening you mustn’t miss. Popularity of Indian culture in Russia is immense. Russian artistes performing Indian classical & folk dances at 9:45 PM IST,” tweeted the Prime Minister
Last evening, the Russian President hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi during which the two leaders touched upon issues of mutual interest for both countries.
The meeting took place hours after the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Moscow to a red carpet welcome on a two-day visit to Russia. (ANI)