Modi discusses strategic partnership with Russian Deputy PM

Gandhinagar, Jan 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday discussed bilateral issues, especially the strategic partnership nwith Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dimitry Rogozin, said informed sources.

Modi met Rogozin, who is leading a strong Russian contingent to 'Vibrant Gujarat' on the eve of the summit's start.

"Both leaders discussed various areas of the India-Russia strategic partnership including Rosneft's investment in the Vadinar refinery, cooperation in the automobile sector, discussions on cooperation between Astrakhan region and its sister State of Gujarat, and the proposed visit of the Russian Industry Minister to Delhi in March," said a source.

The two sides also discussed continuing progress in the civil nuclear energy sector.

Modi offered condolences on the dastardly killing of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey and loss of lives in the recent air crash of a Russian plane.

Rogozin reiterated President Valdimir Putin's invitation for Modi to visit Russia in 2017, which Modi accepted with pleasure, the source added.

He observed that the bilateral India-Russia Summit and the BRICS meeting in Goa were very successful and the Russian leadership was fully committed to further strengthening the strategic partnership with India.

According to the source, Modi observed that the 70-year-old bilateral relationship was on an upward trajectory, aided by his frequent meetings with President Putin. He welcomed increasing Russian investment in various states of India.

"Specifically in the context of Gujarat, Prime Minister said that India and Russia should strengthen cooperation in the areas of diamond cutting and polishing, dairy production, and the automobile sector," he added.

The 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be held here January 10-13 with the central focus of "Sustainable Economic and Social Development".