PM Modi to address plenary session of 5th EEF in Vladivostok today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the plenary session of 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) at Vladivostok in Russia today. Mr Modi is attending the EEF as the chief guest at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The EEF provides a platform for discussing issues aimed at expanding international cooperation in Asia-Pacific region and developing the economy of Russia's Far East. There are several sessions involving India at the EEF. Among them are harnessing the power of Youth, Logistics - a digital pathway, Human Capital in Eurasia, and the Russia India business dialogue.

Prime Minister held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe this morning on the sidelines of the EEF summit. Mr Modi also held talks Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad and President of Mangolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Mr Modi will visit Indian Business Pavilion in Far Eastern Federal University campus today.

Prime Minister arrived in Vladivostok yesterday on a two-day visit to Russia. Mr Modi held comprehensive talks with Mr Putin at the India-Russia 20th Annual Summit in Vladivostok yesterday. Addressing a joint press meet with Mr Putin after their talks, Mr Modi said, the talks were aimed at finding new horizons of India-Russia cooperation. This includes opportunities in trade, security, maritime cooperation and working together



to protect the environment, he said.

Mr Modi said, India and Russia are against outside influence in the internal matters of any nation. Russia has backed India's move on Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the changes in the status are within the framework of the Indian Constitution. Briefing the media later, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said Prime Minister Modi explained to President Putin the rationale behind the decision and Russia stands firmly behind India on the issue.

The countries also signed 15 agreements in areas such as defence, air, and maritime connectivity, energy, natural gas, petroleum and trade. A joint statement issued later said that the two leaders decided to take the bilateral trade from the current 11 billion dollars to 30 billion dollars by 2025. Russia will also help train Indian astronauts for the manned space mission - Gaganyaan.

They called for reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities. Russia expressed its support for India's candidacy for a permanent membership of the UNSC. Russia also expressed its strong support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called on the international community to set up a united front to fight against this evil.