Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
Monday said “there is no change in the pace of growth of India–Russia
relations” during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi.

“Despite the challenges posed by
COVID, there is no change in the pace of growth of India-Russia relations. Our
special & privileged strategic partnership continues to become stronger,”
said Modi.

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The Prime Minister also emphasised that Russia is a key
strategic partner for India. Modi’s remark holds significance since Washington
kept pressing on India about its relations with Russia.

“India, Russia fought COVID together
…. Russia is a key strategic partner for India. Our strategic partnership
completes 20 years now … Trade mechanism is stronger after 2+2′,” says
PM Modi.

The 21st India-Russia annual summit between
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir took place at the
Hyderabad House.

This was the first in-person meeting between Modi and Putin since they met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in 2019 in Brasilia. There
have been six telephonic conversations between the two leaders since then apart
from the virtual meetings that they’ve attended for multilateral summits.

The visit is in continuation of the
tradition of annual summits held alternately in India and Russia.

Earlier in the day, the two countries held
their first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

India to procure AK-203 from Russia

The two countries on Monday signed an
agreement for the procurement of 6,01,427 assault rifles AK-203 through
Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd, under the military-technical cooperation
arrangement for 2021-31.

Also Read: Russia could begin Ukraine offensive in early 2022: US intelligence

Putin had said on Wednesday that he intends
to discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi new “large-scale”
initiatives on further developing “specially privileged”
Russian-Indian relations.

“This partnership brings real mutual
benefit to both states. Bilateral trade shows good dynamics; ties are actively
developing in the energy sector, innovation, space, and the production of
coronavirus vaccines and medicines,” Putin had said.