What Did Putin's Top Aide Discuss with PM Modi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nikolai Patrushev met with PM Modi to strengthen bilateral ties.
- Preparations for the India-Russia Summit in December were a key focus.
- Both sides emphasized enhancing maritime cooperation.
- This summit marks a significant anniversary for India and Russia's partnership.
- Continued discussions underscore the commitment to a multipolar world order.
New Delhi, Nov 18 (NationPress) Nikolai Patrushev, the Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia and a key aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday to deliberate on various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, they also focused on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming India-Russia Summit, set to take place in early December coinciding with Putin's eagerly anticipated visit to India.
A statement from the Russian Embassy in India, shared via Telegram, noted, "On November 18, in New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two parties discussed numerous facets of Russian-Indian collaboration, particularly within the maritime domain. Both sides underscored their shared interest in enhancing cooperation between Russia and India to bolster their maritime capabilities. Preparations for the Russia-India Summit, scheduled for early December, were also addressed."
Putin is slated to arrive in India this December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. His last visit took place in December 2021, during the 21st installment of this significant meeting.
Earlier that day, Patrushev paid tribute to the valor of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He also visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, dedicated to the nation’s history since independence in 1947, where he signed the guest book.
On the previous day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow to discuss various elements of the bilateral and international agenda, with an emphasis on the preparations for the annual India-Russia Summit, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, "The foreign ministers reiterated Russia and India's commitment to fostering a fair, multipolar world order and ensuring global security. They agreed to continue coordinating their approaches to collaboration in key multilateral formats— the UN, SCO, BRICS, and G20."
Last month, PM Modi had a telephone conversation with Putin to review the advancement of the bilateral agenda. During this call, PM Modi also extended birthday wishes to Putin while reiterating India’s dedication to enhancing strategic cooperation.
He expressed his anticipation for welcoming the Russian leader in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
In September, the two leaders met at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where they discussed regional and global affairs, including the situation in Ukraine, and reaffirmed their support for deepening bilateral relations.
During their discussion, PM Modi noted that 1.40 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" for the arrival of the Russian President for the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Summit in December. "This exemplifies our profound, 'special and privileged strategic partnership,'" PM Modi remarked.