Russian President Vladimir Putin extended a warm welcome to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Monday, offering a personal tour of his residence outside Moscow ahead of their official talks scheduled for Tuesday at the Kremlin.
According to Russia's TASS state news agency, Putin embraced Modi at his home in Novo-Ogaryovo, addressing him as his "dear friend" and and said he was "very happy" to see him
The Russian president offered Modi, who is on his first visit to Russia in five years, tea, berries and sweets and took him on a tour of the grounds in a motorised cart.
"Our official talks are tomorrow, while today in this comfortable, cozy setting we can probably discuss the same issues, but unofficially," TASS quoted Putin as saying.
Russian state news agencies said Putin and Modi visited the residence's stable and watched a show with performing horses.
The Russian Embassy in India shared a video of the two leaders enjoying the drive, which followed a conversation between them.
"At the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of the President of Russia near Moscow, Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who is on a two-day official visit to Russia, hold an informal meeting," Russian Foreign Ministry said on X.
"The talks will cover prospects for further development of traditionally friendly Russian-Indian relations, as well as current international and regional issues," it added.
In response to this, PM Modi also shared a post on X and expressed gratitude to the Russian President for hosting him, adding that he also stated that he looks forward to their talks, which will strengthen India-Russia friendship.
Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov received PM Modi at the Vnukovo-II Airport. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport.
Notably, PM Modi and Putin have met 16 times over the past 10 years. The last in-person meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan's Samarkand in 2022. In 2019, PM Modi conferred the highest Russian state honor, 'Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.'
After concluding his visit to Russia, PM Modi will depart for Austria in what is the first visit to the nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
