Red carpet welcome for PM Modi in Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Wednesday to a red carpet welcome on his first bilateral visit to Russia during which both countries are set to seal a raft of deals in key sectors like defence, nuclear energy and hydrocarbons to boost their robust and close partnership. On his arrival here, the Prime Minister was accorded a guard of honour at the Vnukova II airport amid light drizzle and overcast conditions. “Reached Moscow. A series of programmes await in this short but very important visit,” Modi tweeted both in English and Russian. Stepping up economic engagement and further expanding ties in strategic areas are likely to be the centrepiece of the 16th India-Russia annual summit talks between Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. The two leaders are set to deliberate on various global issues such as the situation in Syria and tackling the threat of terrorism as well.