Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Russia for the 16th annual summit between Russia and India. During the two-day visit he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian industry leaders. He also visited the National Crisis Management Centre in Moscow.
PM Modi was given a red carpet welcome to Russia.
PM Modi was hosted by President Putin at a private dinner organised at the Kremlin in Moscow, a day ahead of the bilateral meeting.
He then visited the National Crisis Management Centre in Moscow before paying respect at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier.
The bilateral talks were then held by a delegation from both the countries at the Kremlin, Moscow.
According to the joint statement made by Russia and India, the two countries enhanced their defence ties by agreeing to build Kamov 226 helicopters in India.
In another major move, India will also provide sites in two cities to set up 12 nuclear plants.
The Free Trade Agreement between two countries also figured in the bilateral talks between the two countries.
The trade agreement plays a major role for decreasing the strain on the industrial relation between the two countries after the Ukraine crisis.
Unfortunately, in the first 10 months of this year our mutual trade has gone down by 14.4 percent. This was mainly caused by a drop in energy prices and lower demand for machine building produce due to unfavourable external market situation and exchange rate differences.Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
The much controversial Kudankulam nuclear power plant being built by Russia will be the second Russian-built power plant to be commissioned in India after the one launched in 2014.
He then spoke at the Friends of India event and spoke to a crowd of around 3,000 people.
PM Modi’s Next Stop To Be Kabul?
PM Modi is now scheduled to inaugurate the new Parliament building of Afghanistan in its capital city of Kabul.
The building has been built by India and is a symbol of support for democracy in Afghanistan. It is scheduled to be inaugurated December 31, 2015 by PM Modi.
On Sunday, December 20, a terrorist attack by Taliban – a potent threat in Jalalabad, Afghanistan – was foiled by Afghan security forces. The attack was set to be on the day PM Modi arrived in Kabul, raising security concerns during his visit.
According to a report by the Khaama Press, the Indian government has spent around $2 billion towards socio-economic rebuilding of the state of Afghanistan since 2002.
PM Modi At Friends of India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Friends of India event in Moscow, Russia after making a statement about the bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The event witnessed Indian cultural performances by Russian artists.
Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpai’s poetry, ‘Geet Naya Gata Hoon’ – sung by legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar – was performed Russian artists.
During the speech, Modi praised Russia’s continued support to India.
He also promoted India’s effort of becoming a manufacturing destination and not just a market. The day ended with an invitation to President Putin to visit India for the next BRICS summit as well as the annual summit.
Read on to find out about the other agreements signed by the two countries and details about PM Modi’s visit.
India to Make Russia’s Kamov 226 Helicopters
India will start manufacturing the Russian Kamov 226
helicopters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday, after New
Delhi and Moscow signed 16 agreements spanning various sectors at the
conclusion of the annual summit-level meeting.
“The agreement on manufacture of Kamov 226 helicopter in India is the first project for a major defence platform under ‘Make in India’ mission,” Modi said while addressing a joint press conference here with Russian President Vladimir Putin following the annual summit level meeting between the two sides.
As I look to the future, I see Russia as a significant partner in India’s economic transformation and in shaping a balanced, multi-polar world.Narendra Modi
Modi said he has great respect and appreciation for the
strategic partnership between India and Russia.
“It has been a source of strength and success for India.”
(IANS)
Modi Addresses at The CEO Summit
After delegate level talks over lunch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed next to address the CEOs. The CEO summit is being held in Moscow. Modi pitches in his ambitious project ‘Make In India’ and urges Russia to be a part of this growth story.
India and Russia have strong military ties and Modi wants it beyond that.