PM Modi leaves for Russia for informal talks with President Putin, Iran nuclear deal and terrorism likely on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday left for Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin for informal talks, which he hopes could further strengthen the “special and privileged” strategic partnership between India and Russia.

In a series of tweets — in Russian and then in English — on the eve of his visit to Russia, PM Modi said he looked forward to his meeting with Putin.

“Greetings to the friendly people of Russia. I look forward to my visit to Sochi tomorrow and my meeting with President Putin. It is always a pleasure to meet him,” Modi tweeted.

During their informal summit in the Russian city of Sochi today, the two leaders will primarily focus on global and regional issues, including the impact of the US decision to withdraw from a nuclear deal with Iran.

Official sources said the two leaders would meet for 4-6 hours for the “agendaless” talks where deliberations on bilateral issues were likely to be limited.

They said the issues on the table might include the economic impact on India and Russia in the wake of the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the situation in Afghanistan and Syria, the threat of terrorism and matters relating to the upcoming SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and BRICS summits.

PM Modi is expected to arrive in Sochi at 12:10 pm. His first round of talks with President Putin will start at 03:35 pm after which they move on to lunch along with a Tete-e-Tete. At 06:15 pm, PM Modi will visit Moya Russia - Ethno Centre. He will also pay a visit to Sirius Educational Centre in the evening before boarding a flight back to Delhi at 08:40 pm. (All times are IST). 

Here are the LIVE Updates: 

07:30 am: PM Modi leaves for Russia for informal talks with President Putin. He is on a one-day trip.