PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold annual bilateral summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold the annual bilateral summit in New Delhi on Friday.

The two leaders are expected to review bilateral ties including defence cooperation during the 19th India-Russia Bilateral Summit. Mr. Modi and Mr. Putin are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues. 

The two countries are expected to sign a number of agreements. However, the focus of the Russian President's visit will be on the possible signing of a 5 billion dollar deal to procure Moscow's most advanced air defence system, the S-400 Triumf. 

A top Kremlin official said on Tuesday that Mr Putin will



oversee the signing of the S-400 missile deal between India and Russia.

Mr. Putin will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The visiting dignitary will also interact with a group of talented children and will address India-Russia Business Summit.

Mr. Putin arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the airport. 

Mr. Modi received the visiting dignitary at his official residence in the evening. In a tweet, Prime Minister said, he is looking forward to the deliberations which will further enhance India-Russia friendship.