Prime Minister Modi appreciates the Indian community for being a strong pillar of bilateral ties with Russia
India will open two new Consulates in Russia; these will be located in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.  The decision was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an interaction with members of the Indian community at an event in Moscow on Tuesday (July 9, 2024).
 
India currently has Consulates at St Petersburg and Vladivostok, in addition to the Embassy in Moscow.
 
"Strengthening bonds with our own!
 
PM @narendramodi interacted with the Indian community in Russia today. 
 
PM shared his thoughts on India’s rising global profile and its perception as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’. He appreciated the community for being a strong pillar of bilateral ties between India & Russia. PM announced opening of Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, formerly Twitter. 
 
Prime Minister Modi shared a video of the interaction on X and wrote, "Thank the Indian community in Russia for their warm reception. Addressing a programme in Moscow".
 
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Moscow to hold the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit with President Vladimir Putin. He is scheduled to visit Austria in the second leg of his two-nation visit, his first since assuming office as Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term. 
 
On the first day of his visit on Monday (July 8, 2024), Prime Minister Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin for an informal meeting at the latter's Novo-Ogaryovo residence. 
 
"Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia," Prime Minister Modi wrote as he shared images of their meeting on X.
 
Earlier, in his departure statement before leaving New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia had advanced over the past 10 years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. 
 
"I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues," he remarked.
 
While he did not refer to the Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister Modi also stated, "We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region".