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Speaking to  Russian news agency Tass in an interview published on their website, the Indian PM said, "Russia is India's unwavering friend. Russian citizens too maintained unwavering relations with India. And politically apart, the Russian citizens have shown considerable interest in the Indian traditions and India's culture. And it makes our relationship stronger."

 

At the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, Modi  payS​ ​his first official bilateral visit to Moscow from​ ​23-24 Dec for the 16th India-Russia​ ​Annual Summit. At the summit, Prime  Modi and President Putin will review the​ ​relationship between India and Russia to strengthen it further and hold discussions on regional and​ ​global issues.

Modi, who visited the country in 2001 as a Chief Minister (of Gujarat), said that he feels he should have come a bit earlier and that there is a mixed emotion that he's feeling here.

"When I go to Russia, there is a thought in my mind that I have delayed the visit a bit. I am hesitating a bit. But I am filled with enthusiasm that I'm going to a friend's house. And visit a friend, the feeling of oneness, the emotions, I am feeling it."

Heaping praise on Russia, he spoke about the special bond the countries share in form of defence and environment issues.

"The relations between India and Russia are linked together through the water, land and sky. Our defense source, defense power, in all these Russia is associated with us for all those years. Similarly, in the global environment, in times of crisis, where you need a friend, Russia has always stood with us. We never had to wait to know what Russia will do with us in this regard. We remain confident that we are doing this, Russia will do it with us," he said.

Modi had some kind words for the Russian President. About Valadimir Putin he said, "The world knows him as a strong leader. He is a decisive person. And the best thing is that he knows how to maintain relations. He has a special strength to sacrifice for the relations. It is rarely found. And therefore, for him to sacrifice, to maintain relations are his special strength."

Modi was all praise for Putin's 'clear words' he used and his no nonsense attitude.

He also spoke about the rich cultural ties the two nations share.

The PM said, "I am pleased to see where our relationship is today. Russia was the first country with which we concluded a formal agreement on strategic partnership, which has since been elevated to the level of ‘special and privileged’ strategic partnership in recognition of our multifaceted bilateral engagement."

"I see positive signs of further growth owing to complementarities of both the countries. The strengths of Russia in science and technology, military technology and nuclear energy to name a few, complement the large market of India, expanding economy and demand of its young population. This provides us with the confidence that we can take forward our existing dynamic partnership." he added.

 Meanwhile, in a pre-departure statement, Modi said he is very optimistic about the visit.

It reads: "Today I will commence my visit to Russia, my first bilateral visit after we formed the Government. I am very optimistic about the outcome of this 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. "

"My mind goes back to 2001. I had just assumed charge as Gujarat CM and had accompanied Atal ji to Russia. This was, perhaps, one of the first India-Russia annual Summits, a practice that goes on till date," he said. 

"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. 

"The visit will witness 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. "