Modi Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement after a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia, June 1, 2017.Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin will strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.

"Greetings to the friendly people of Russia. I look forward to my visit to Sochi tomorrow (Monday) and my meeting with President Putin. It is always a pleasure to meet him," Modi said prior to his visit to Russia.

"I am confident the talks with President Putin will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia," Modi said.

Modi is travelling to Russia at Putin's invitation for an informal summit in Sochi, the government has said.

The informal summit was in keeping with the tradition of regular consultations between India and Russia at the highest level.

Modi's visit to Russia will be an important occasion for him and Putin to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective in order to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership.

Both leaders will discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.

(Source: IANS)