At Sochi, PM Modi talks of Vajpayee years, India-Russia ties

New Delhi, May 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held restricted talks in Black Sea coastal city Sochi on Monday.
The Indian delegation includes NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi said, “Best wishes to you from me personally and from the country men.”
“When you (Putin) came to India for first time as President, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. You spoke about civilisational ties. In 2001, when I became chief minister and came to Moscow with Vajpayee within a month, you were first world leader I met. Had the good luck to sit down and talk about the shared prosperity of both our nations,” Modi added.
Recalling Vajpayee’s visit, he said, “During that visit 18 years back, we sowed seeds of strategic partnership and those seeds sowed by you two have grown into a full-fledged banyan tree.”
The tradition of bilateral summit started 18 years ago continues now and “we have added a new chapter of an informal summit”, the PM said.
“In last four years, I have walked shoulder to shoulder with you. We have had free consultations on bilateral issues to global developments. When you came to India in 2000, Vajpayee said because Russia has been a long trusted friend we want to see you strengthened and play a leading role In a multipolar world.
“We are happy that from SCO, BRICS, North-South Corridor, we are working together in lot of mechanisms and progressing together. You honoured me at the economic summit in St Petersburg. I thank you for that. Whole world is waiting for Football World Cup and focussed at you. My best wishes for the event,” PM Modi said as he thanked President Putin for the informal summit.
PM Modi had on Sunday tweeted: “Greetings to the friendly people of Russia. I look forward to my visit to Sochi tomorrow and my meeting with President Putin. It is always a pleasure to meet him.”
“Am confident the talks with President Putin will further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia,” Modi had tweeted.