We attach great importance to boosting connectivity, Prime Minister Modi says after talks with President Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow on Tuesday (July 9, 2024) for wide- ranging talks that are expected to provide a fresh momentum to the India-Russia bilateral partnership. During their discussions as part of the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, the two leaders discussed ways to diversify bilateral cooperation across sectors like trade and commerce, security, technology and innovation. 

According to Prime Minister Modi, boosting connectivity and increasing people-to-people exchanges is also a key priority for both sides.

“Held productive discussions with President Putin at the Kremlin today. Our talks covered ways to diversify India-Russia cooperation in sectors such as trade, commerce, security, agriculture, technology and innovation. We attach great importance to boosting connectivity and people-to-people exchanges,” Prime Minister Modi said on X.

On the first day of his visit on Monday (July 8, 2024), Prime Minister Modi met President 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 on X as he shared photos of the interaction. 

Briefing the media on the focus areas of discussions between the two leaders, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the talks covered, in addition to political issues, trade, capital linkages, energy, and science & technology cooperation.

“Defence and security was another element of discussion,” he stated, adding that talks also covered regional and global developments.
 
“The major thrust of the discussion was on economic engagement, including how the India-Russia partnership can give a fillip to Make in India and other manufacturing partnerships,” Foreign Secretary Kwatra added.

Prime Minister Modi Receives Russia’s Highest State Award
Prime Minister Modi has been honoured with Russia’s highest national award, "The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle". He was honoured for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties during a special ceremony in St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin, Moscow. The award was announced in 2019.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and to the traditional bonds of friendship between India and Russia. He added that the recognition illuminates the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. This award was instituted over 300 years ago. Prime Minister Modi is the first Indian leader to be conferred with this award.

"Honoured to receive the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. I dedicate it to the people of India," Prime Minister Modi posted on X.

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.