
India-Russia Summit: PM Modi, Vladimir Putin hug at Hyderabad House, ahead of today's summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi's Hyderabad House and is set to headline an India-Russia bilateral summit with him shortly. Mr Putin, on a two-day visit to India, will ink a $5 billion deal to procure Moscow's most advanced air defence system, the S-400 Triumf, risking US sanctions. Mr Putin arrived Thursday and was greeted by Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj at the airport and welcomed by PM Modi at his residence.
India wants S-400 missile systems from Russia to change the strategic balance in the subcontinent. The long-range missile systems will tighten India's air-defence capabilities along the 4,000-km-long India-China border. The US could impose sanctions using the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act or CAATSA legislation, which deals primarily with countries having "significant transactions" with Russia, North Korea or Iran.
India is also planning on acquiring 4 Krivak-class frigates from Russia, two of which will be built in India, which will be a $2.5 billion deal.
Mr Putin and PM Modi will discuss key regional and global issues, including US sanctions on import of Iranian crude oil. Along with the S-400 Triumf and Krivak deals, the bilateral summit will have the world leaders sign around 20 agreements.
Here are the LIVE updates on Vladimir Putin, PM Narendra Modi's bilateral summit today:
India's state-owned ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) may also sign a pact with Gazprom, industry sources told Sputnik, according to ANI. OVL already has stakes in three operational projects in Russia.
A relationship radiating warmth and affection!
- Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) October 5, 2018
PM @narendramodi welcomed @KremlinRussia_E Vladimir Putin for the 19th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit continuing the series of fruitful engagements this year! #DruzbaDostipic.twitter.com/KQQXrausdy
PM Modi received Putin at the Delhi's Hyderabad House and the two leaders warmly shook hands and hugged each other obliging cameramen.
Putin arrived at New Delhi on Thursday evening for the 19th India-Russia Bilateral Summit and held a private meeting with PM Modi at the latter's residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
#WATCH Russian President Vladimir Putin meets PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in Delhi. #PutininIndiapic.twitter.com/rSzDQSwVxr
- ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2018
Prime Minister @narendramodi and Russian President #VladimirPutin arrive at Hyderabad House for the bilateral discussions@KremlinRussia_E@IndEmbMoscow#PutininIndia#IndiaRussiapic.twitter.com/tCo2FynlGD
- PIB India (@PIB_India) October 5, 2018
Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin meets PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House #PutininIndiapic.twitter.com/8wF64L4Cve
- ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2018
#NewDelhi: Meeting with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi @narendramodihttps://t.co/9CGG7PpGfZpic.twitter.com/pVRLtWHl1h
- President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) October 4, 2018
Welcome to India, President Putin.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 4, 2018
Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship. @KremlinRussia_Epic.twitter.com/IlGwRrXgAK
Venue: Hyderabad House
Photo Op: AV Media
1130 hrs
Delegation Level Talks
1330 hrs
Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements
Venue: Hyderabad House
All Media
1430 hrs
Interaction with group of talented children
Venue: Central garden , ITC Maurya
Agencies Only
1530 hrs
Address India-Russia Business Summit
Venue: Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya
Contact Organiser CII/DIPP
1630 hrs
Meeting with the President
Venue: Rashtrapati Bhawan
Photo Op: Agencies Only
Putin, who arrived in New Delhi late Thursday, is set to discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi further agreements worth some $3 billion for Russian naval ships and military helicopters.
Russia building its second nuclear power plant in India is on the table too, as is the training of Indian astronauts in Russia for New Delhi's first crewed space mission in 2022, reported AFP.