BRICS: India and Russia sign MoUs, key defence deals. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa
With the 17th India Russia Annual Summit set to begin in Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Goa on 15 October.
PM Modi and President Putin issue joint statement after holding delegation level talks and restricted talks on the sidelines of BRICS Summit.
Both countries signed Memorandums of Understanding on railways, gas pipelines along with some other key issues.
India and Russia has also signed key defence deals.
Old friends, constant partners. PM @narendramodi and President Putin @KremlinRussia_E lead delegation level talks pic.twitter.com/qZtCgcwvYZ
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 15, 2016
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Goa amid protests by Tibetans.
Also Read:Tibetans protest as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Goa
Earlier, PM Modi welcomed Putin in a tweet, "India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit. @KremlinRussia_E."
India welcomes you, President Putin! Wishing you a fruitful India visit. @KremlinRussia_E
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2016
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will review the entire gamut of India-Russia relations during their bilateral talks.
The focus will be on defence and nuclear cooperation, with terrorism being a key issue. India's envoy to Russia, Pankaj Saran, yesterday said new areas like energy, infrastructure, railways, and agriculture and high technology will also be discussed.
They will also witness the laying of the Foundation Concrete of the 3rd and 4th units of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
The two sides are expected to sign over a dozen agreements especially in the field of defence and energy in the afternoon following the talks.
While India and Russia are expected to sign a "complex agreement" for setting up a joint facility for production of 200 Kamoc helicopters besides a deal for four naval frigates, a "forward movement" is expected in the talks for the purchase of five system of S400 Triumf air defence systems that will cost over USD 5 billion.
The two leaders will also exchange views on important regional and international issues.
The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma in the evening on the sidelines of the five-nation BRICS Summit and BIMSTEC outreach meet.
Here is the schedule of the Day 1 at BRICS Summit:
11 am - 12 pm
Restricted talks between Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Modi
12 pm - 1 pm
Delegation level talks between India and Russia
1:05 pm - 3 pm
Exchange of agreements and media briefing
1:10 pm
Chinese President Xi Jinping to arrive in Goa
5:40 pm - 6:10 pm
Bilateral between India and China
7:10 pm
Official BRICS dinner
- With inputs from agencies
First published: 15 October 2016, 11:49 IST
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