New Delhi, May 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on May 21 for an informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting comes just weeks after Modi-Jinping two-day meet held at Wuang in China.

According to a statement of External Affairs Ministry, this will be an important occasion for the two leaders to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective with the objective of further strengthening our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The ministry also said that both leaders would also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters. The Summit in Sochi will keep the tradition of regular consultations between India and Russia at the highest levels, the statement said.

Earlier this month, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. Both the leaders discussed issues such as combating terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale also accompanied Doval during his visit on May 10. The national security advisor also held talks with Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev besides calling on Lavrov, an Indian Embassy statement said.

According to an official Russian statement, Lavrov was quoted as saying, “We have a very full agenda in our bilateral relations. Economic ties are growing, and a mechanism is being developed to further liberalise trade both bilaterally and as part of India’s cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.” Prime Minister Modi’s visit also comes just months after Putin won the elections. Putin was sworn in for the fourth time as a Russian president. The Prime Minister had met Putin in Russia last year. During that meeting PM Modi praised Putin. He said, “Political leader whose family has made sacrifices' for the glory of Russia.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 14, 2018 07:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).