Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is looking forward to hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin next month. The statement came during his meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to the Russian President, who called on him in New Delhi yesterday. The Prime Minister said in a social media post that he had productive discussions with Mr Patrushev on expanding cooperation in the maritime sector, including new opportunities for collaboration in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding and blue economy.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi conveyed his warm greetings to President Putin and reiterated that he looks forward to welcoming him to India next month. Mr Patrushev also discussed preparations for the India-Russia Summit scheduled for early December. Earlier in the day, Patrushev paid homage to fallen soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial and later visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, where he signed the guest book.