New Delhi/Moscow, Nov 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his eagerness to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to India during a meeting with a senior aide from the Kremlin.

During the meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, the aide to President Putin and Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation, PM Modi extended his warm greetings to the Russian leader. This discussion took place in New Delhi, where they explored various collaborative opportunities in the maritime sector, including connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding, and the blue economy.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced that PM Modi looks forward to hosting President Putin next month. Patrushev also addressed the ongoing preparations for the upcoming India-Russia Summit, which is slated for early December coinciding with Putin's anticipated visit.

The Russian Embassy in India shared on Telegram, stating that during their meeting, several topics regarding Russian-Indian cooperation were discussed, particularly in the maritime arena. Both parties highlighted their shared interest in enhancing maritime capabilities and emphasized preparations for the Russia-India Summit.

This visit marks the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, with Putin’s last visit to India occurring in December 2021 for the 21st meeting.

Earlier in the day, Patrushev honored the valor of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and toured the 'Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya,' which chronicles India's history post-independence in 1947.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who was in Moscow for the SCO Heads of Government meeting, also met with President Putin along with other SCO delegation heads.

On the previous day, EAM Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov engaged in discussions surrounding the bilateral and international agenda, emphasizing preparations for the forthcoming annual summit that marks the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership Declaration between India and Russia.

During their discussions, the foreign ministers reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to foster a just, multipolar world order and ensure global security. They also agreed to continue their cooperative efforts in key multilateral formats such as the UN, SCO, BRICS, and G20.

Last month, PM Modi and Putin had a phone conversation to review progress on their bilateral agenda, with PM Modi extending birthday wishes to Putin and reaffirming India's dedication to enhancing strategic cooperation.

They had previously met in September at the SCO Summit in Tianjin to discuss regional and global matters, including the situation in Ukraine, and reiterated their support for strengthening bilateral relations.

PM Modi remarked that 1.40 crore Indians are eagerly anticipating President Putin's visit for the 23rd India-Russia Summit in December, describing this anticipation as a testament to their deep, special, and privileged strategic partnership.