PM Modi in Russia – Day 2: As it happened

India-Russia ties truly meet the test of a special & privileged strategic partnership. Spoke at the press meet. https://t.co/z35oZwIKJX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Excellent discussions & productive outcomes...it is always a delight to meet President Putin. @KremlinRussia_E pic.twitter.com/CDzLOMbbWc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Very positive discussions at the CEO forum. Urged Russian investors to come & @makeinindia. pic.twitter.com/haBphLwzzI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

PM Modi concludes his address.

PM concludes speech: My visit to Russia though short has been extremely productive and fruitful.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

India and Russia will together fight against terrorism: PM Modi

Yes we also face problems but we are not those who will only cry about the problems. We are finding solutions to the problems we face: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

Whatever decision in the world is taken today, India has an imp role today in it unlike before: PM Modi

PM @narendramodi: Today all agencies describe India as the fastest growing economy in the world with most promise pic.twitter.com/bUb9vP1mUn

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

Yes we also face problems but we are not those who will only cry about the problems. We are finding solutions to the problems we face: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

India's youth has awaken and is striving to excel. India is moving ahead towards development: PM Modi

Those who saw India only as a market are now seeing India as a manufacturing hub: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

Last time when I came , I was speaking to governor of Astrakhan, he couldn’t understand watermelon but understood 'tarbooz': PM Modi

PM Modi invites Russian tourists to visit India. 

 

Russia always stood by India's side. They supported us during the time of war: PM Modi

Russia has always stood with India. This is friendship, it is not merely about give and take: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

PM: In Russia there is a deep appreciation for Indian culture & traditions which gives great strength to our ties pic.twitter.com/XrMuy98NkP

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

Several places across Russia marked 'International Day of Yoga' on 21st June: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

I met Indologists and they spoke to me in Hindi. They shared that they teach India's history: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

India-Russia ties are very deep. Political relations, trade relations is one thing. Our ties go beyond that: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

PM Modi extends greetings on Christmas and Eid e Milad. He further hailed former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.

The way in which Russian artists performed Indian cultural dance forms and arts is praiseworthy, I salute them. Muslim by religion, Russian by nationality, pop singer by profession and reciting Hindu Mantras: PM Modi

The chant of civilizations. Sati Kazanova, Russian Muslim singer flawlessly recites Sanskrit Shlokas to begin event
https://t.co/3nuKiZScpo

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

In India those who are watching this event on television, it will come as surprise to them. In large numbers, Indians and Russians have gathered here. It is a proud moment for India: PM Modi.

PM Modi addresses Indian diaspora in Russia. Greets them with Namaste

Few things connect like culture. Amazing atmosphere at the programme. pic.twitter.com/Z6TNpO3c3Q

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 24, 2015

Tremendous enthusiasm even in mid-winter Moscow. Stage set 4 unique #IndiaRussia collab'n at Friends of India Event pic.twitter.com/t9NudE1Lkl

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

India-Russia sign agreements on cooperation in the field of helicopter engineering, MoU on technical cooperation in railway sector.

PM closes statement, says he looks forward to welcoming President Putin in India next year for the BRICS Summit as well as the Annual Summit. 

World must unite and combat terror without distinguishing between terror groups and target countries: PM Modi

PM: We are one in our belief that world must unite against terrorism, w/out distinct'n & discrim'n btw terrorist groups & target countries.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

An early political settlement through dialogue in West Asia is necessary: PM Modi

The pace of our cooperation in nuclear energy is increasing. We are making progress on 12 Russian nuclear reactors at 2 sites: PM Modi

PM @narendramodi: The pace of our ccop'n in nuclear energy is increasing. We are making progress on 12 Russian nuclear reactors at 2 sites.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

PM: The Agreement on manufacture of Kamov 226 helicopter in India is the 1st project for a major defence platform under #MakeinIndia mission

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

As I look to the future, I see Russia as a significant partner in India’s economic transf'n and in shaping a balanced, multi-polar world: PM Modi

India a great power carrying out a balanced and responsible foreign policy: Prez Putin

16 agreements to welcome 2016 at the 16th Annual Summit pic.twitter.com/QKteFVJzn2

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

Mr President I've always had great respect for your strategic partnership. It has been a source of strength and success for India: PM Modi

President Putin and PM Modi agree to institutionalise CEO's Forum with two meetings annually – One in India and one in Russia.

High tech, Innovation, energy, aircraft building, pharma and diamonds promising areas for India Russia coop: Russian President Vladimir Putin

Investing in potential while expanding opportunities. The leaders attend the #IndiaRussia CEO's Forum in Moscow pic.twitter.com/pMfQ053WNq

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

PM: The good news is that our trade and business relations are becoming vibrant. A number of Russian & Indian companies are working together

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

PM: Russia has and will always be a vital & long-term partner, not only in energy & mineral resources, but in cutting edge technologies too.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

I am here to invite our partner in security to become partner in prosperity also: PM Modi

I welcome Russia to become a part of India's growth story. We have started a Make in India campaign: PM Modi

PM Modi addresses CEO Summit.

Laying out the full spread for #IndiaRussia relations.PM & President lead delegat'n level talks over a working lunch pic.twitter.com/OkAP59FY9B

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

PM Sh @narendramodi at the wreath laying ceremony at Alexandrovski Cad (Tomb of the Unkown Soldier) in Russia pic.twitter.com/UuJ96ns3uA

— PIB India (@PIB_India) December 24, 2015

From inside the Kremlin! PM @narendramodi & President Putin begin the 16th Annual Summit with a restricted meeting pic.twitter.com/cw5s4tlQrb

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

PM Modi lays wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

A tribute to the famed valour of Russia's soldiers. PM @narendramodi lays wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pic.twitter.com/y1CtliZAY9

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

Will go to the Kremlin in a short while from now. Will meet President Putin & key agreements will be inked. Will also interact with CEOs.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

What can be a better way to celebrate strong people to people ties between India & Russia! This is an evening you mustn't miss.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Witnessing a musical enactment of Atal ji's 'Geet Naya Gata Hoon' rendered by Lata Didi will be a treat for everyone https://t.co/fwmucsCby2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Popularity of Indian culture in Russia is immense. Don't miss Russian artistes performing Indian classical & folk dances at 9:45 PM IST.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

The NCMC is doing a big service to humanity. Their disaster prevention & response activities are laudatory. https://t.co/cqHoklY9iv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Visit to EMERCOM was a great learning experience. Was shown aspects relating to disaster management & how technology is used in this field.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now visiting EMERCOM, the Russian National Crisis Management Centre.

A morning for learning. PM @narendramodi takes a tour of EMERCOM, a state of the art crisis management facility pic.twitter.com/D8EV1CS2sH

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

Ready for emergency response. 240000 employees from EMERCOM r on operational duty daily, using 62000 equipment units pic.twitter.com/6fNBJhL81M

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 24, 2015

The 18th century sword from Bengal that belonged to the Najafi Dynasty, gifted to me by President Putin. pic.twitter.com/LfP5szD503

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Must Read: President Vladimir Putin gifts PM Narendra Modi a page from history. Details inside

President Putin also gifted an 18th century sword from Bengal, featuring intricate silver artwork. I thank him for the gifts.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

President Putin gifted me a page from Gandhi ji's diary containing Bapu's handwritten notes. pic.twitter.com/L6xs9KdRq4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin will on Thursday meet in Moscow for the 16th India-Russia annual summit.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Russia. The two leaders last had a formal interaction at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Ufa city of Russia, in July.

Also Read: Did PM Narendra Modi insult National Anthem in Russia?

A number of agreements are due to be signed during the talks spanning a broad spectrum of sectors, with the focus being on defence, nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and trade.

Modi and Putin will also meet a delegation of Indian and Russian CEOs at the Kremlin.

The Indian PM is also scheduled to address a gathering of Friends of India and also meet members of the Indian community.

Modi's itinerary includes a visit to Russia's National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in Moscow later today.

The NCMC is a multi-level coordination centre designed to provide inter-agency coordination and alert the people about the threat of emergency situations. The capabilities of the NCMC include state-of-art real time monitoring, data collection, analysis and modelling.

The summit-level talks come a day after Putin hosted Modi for a private dinner.

Building Druzhba-Dosti over dinner.President Putin @KremlinRussia_E hosts a private tete-a-tete for PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/cZj6DRnzOH

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 23, 2015

"Building Druzhba-Dosti over dinner. President Putin @KremlinRussia_E hosts a private tete-a-tete for PM @narendramodi," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.

Earlier, after alighting from the aircraft, Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport.

"Cold and rain no obstacles for a red carpet welcome for PM," Swarup said in another tweet.

Cold and rain are no obstacles for a red carpet welcome for PM @narendramodi at Moscow Airport pic.twitter.com/pDztaXMa7k

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) December 23, 2015

In his pre-departure statement, Modi had said that he was very optimistic about his visit.

"History is witness to the close ties India and Russia have had over the decades. Russia remains one of India's most valued friends in the world," he had stated.

"My visit will deepen the cooperation between India and Russia in the economic, energy and security spheres. We also want to increase cooperation in science and technology, mining among other sectors. Trade ties between India and Russia can increase even further, to benefit not only our two nations but also the world," Modi had added, ahead of departing for Russia.

He had further stated that there would be extensive deliberations with President Putin.

"There will be an interaction with Russian businesspersons to invite them to invest in India. I will also attend a 'Friends of India' programme. I am certain that this visit will substantially take forward the already strong people to people ties between our nations."