NEW DELHI – Worried from rising Russia and Pakistan defence and Militaryties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Russia on Mondayfor an informal summit with President Vladimir Putin in Sochi. The twoleaders are expected to discuss several issues ranging from internationalterrorism to Iran nuclear deal.
Briefing *ANI* on the informal summit, Indian Ambassador to Russia, PankajSaran, said, “It is a very important and different kind of meeting betweenPM Modi and President Putin. President Putin had invited PM Modi almostwithin two weeks of the former becoming President of Russia for the fourthtime.”
He added, “There is a desire to discuss with PM Modi the future prioritiesof Russia, its foreign policy and ways in which the two countries canimprove one another’s economy and international sphere.”
The Indian envoy to Russia said the talks between the two leaders have beenscheduled for 1 pm followed by lunch. “We expect them to be together for afew hours. It is a great opportunity to discuss different issues,” Saransaid.
Saran also said that in a few months time, President Putin will travel toIndia for a summit. “This frequency of meetings is just another importantaspect of our relationship with Russia,” he said.
The Iran nuclear deal is also likely to be one of the focusses of theinformal summit. “Iran is a very important subject and I am sure, it willcome up for discussion between the two leaders as they both share relationswith Iran and have stakes in that country,” Saran said.
On terrorism, the envoy said besides India, Russia too has been a victim ofterrorism. “Russia has also been a victim and is concerned about the spreadof terrorism within its own country. The threat that the Islamic Stateposes will also be taken up,” he said.
The envoy added, “The two leaders will also discuss the situation inAfghanistan and Syria since the entire problem in Syria is related tointernational terrorism.”
On Russia’s role in development projects in India, Saran said, “Russia isparticipating in the construction of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Ithas committed to building six plants in Kudankulam. We have signed anagreement with Russia to construct more units in India.”