Vladimir Putin turns to India with energy, defence offers

Putin, who arrived Wednesday night on a 24-hour visit, was welcomed by Modi via Twitter, saying he looks forward to a "productive visit that will take India-Russia ties to newer heights".

Modi tweeted his welcome in Russian and then in English. He wrote on his official Twitter handle that he is "delighted" to welcome Putin to India. Modi said, "The bond between the people of Russia and India is very strong. Our nations have stood by each other through thick and thin". "Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now, we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction," Modi wrote. The summit talks are alternatively hosted by Moscow and New Delhi. Last year the talks were held in Moscow in



October and attended by then prime minister Manmohan Singh. Putin's visit comes at a time when the Russian economy is buffeted by Western economic sanctions over Ukraine and falling oil prices that has led to a sharp tumble of the rouble.

India has already laid the ground for taking forward the ties by stating clearly that it "cannot be party" to any economic sanctions against its old friend. The talks, being held at Hyderabad House, are the first full-fledged summit between India and Russia after the Modi government took office in May.

He will then inaugurate the World Diamond Conference at Vigyan Bhavan, and later meet President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening before leaving for home at night.