Narendra Modi arrives in Russia on official visit

MOSCOW, July 08 (TASS): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on an official visit, as his flight landed at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport, according to a TASS reporter.

Exiting the plane, Modi greeted the welcoming party with the traditional Indian gesture of namaste. He was met by a Russian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

Modi then proceeded to the red carpet, where he was met by a guard of honor, and a military band played the Russian and Indian anthems.

He is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the trip, which will last from July 8 to 9. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said expectations are for "an important, full-scale visit" and that the two leaders will be able to talk informally. Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said the Kremlin "attaches paramount importance to this visit."

This is Modi's first trip after taking office as prime minister for the third time. He previously traveled to Russia in 2019 to visit Vladivostok. Modi's prior trip to Moscow was in 2015.

The Indian leader treaded a fine line between maintaining a longstanding relationship with Moscow and courting closer Western security ties.

The visit is Modi's first since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine and since he was returned to power last month as leader of the world's most populous country.

"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," said Modi in a statement.

"We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region."

Moscow remains a key supplier of cut-price oil and weapons to India, but the Kremlin's isolation from the West and blooming friendship with Beijing have impacted its time-honoured partnership with New Delhi.