Modi welcomes Putin in Goa, both leaders hold talks

Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks in which India is expected to raise concerns over growing Russia-Pakistan military ties besides looking at ways of ramping up their “privileged partnership” in areas of defence and nuclear energy.

Putin, who arrived in Goa after a delay of nine hours due to fog, held restricted talks with Modi after which the two leaders will be joined by their respective delegations.

“We expect a very fruitful discussion on various issues.

Defence and security issues to dominate,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

The two sides are expected to sign over a dozen agreements especially in the field of defence and energy in the afternoon following the talks.

While India and Russian are expected to sign a “complex agreement” for setting up a joint facility for production of 200 Kamoc helicopters besides a deal for four naval frigates, a “forward movement” is expected in the talks for the purchase of five system of S400 Triumf air defence systems that will cost over USD 5 billion.

The two leaders will also exchange views on important regional and international issues.

Indian envoy to Russian Pankaj Saran said, “Indo-Russia ties have more than just the bilateral dimension. There are regional and global issues, various troubled hotspots where Russia has stakes and where India has stakes.” PTI