Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked during their bilateral meeting on Tuesday that their relationship is so deep that PM Modi does not need a translator. Putin, speaking with a smile, said, “We have such a relationship that I felt that you do not need any translation.”
PM Modi responded with a smile upon hearing the Hindi translation of Putin’s remarks, which were initially made in Russian. The meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit, hosted under Russia’s chairmanship.
President Putin recalled their previous interaction during the India-Russia Annual Summit in July in Moscow, expressing gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s acceptance of the invitation to visit Kazan. “I remember we met in July and had a very good discussion on several issues. We also spoke on the telephone many times. I am very grateful to you for accepting the invitation to come to Kazan. Today, we will participate in the opening ceremony of the BRICS Summit and later have dinner. During the Summit, we are expected to take some very important decisions,” Prez Putin said.
PM Modi, in turn, emphasized that his two visits to Russia within three months reflect the strong coordination and deep friendship between the two countries. He noted that the July summit in Moscow further strengthened their cooperation across various sectors and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming BRICS discussions. “In 15 years, BRICS has created its special identity, and now many countries around the world want to join it. I am looking forward to participating in the BRICS Summit tomorrow,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of opening a new Indian consulate in Kazan, noting that it will further deepen ties between India and the Russian city. “I express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship, warm welcome, and hospitality. It is a matter of great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to visit a beautiful city like Kazan for the BRICS Summit. India has deep and historical ties with this city, and the opening of India’s new consulate here will strengthen these ties further,” he said.
PM Modi arrived in Russia earlier today to attend the summit and engage in discussions with BRICS leaders. In his departure statement, he reiterated India’s commitment to cooperation within BRICS, emphasizing the platform’s role in addressing issues such as global development, reformed multilateralism, climate change, and economic cooperation.
He highlighted that the expansion of BRICS, which saw new members join last year, has added inclusivity to the group’s agenda for global progress. “Building upon the Annual Summit held in July 2024 in Moscow, my visit to Kazan will further reinforce the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. I look forward to meeting other leaders from BRICS as well,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi will also hold additional bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
(Inputs from ANI)