New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Russia on Monday on his two-day visit. During this visit, he will hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is Modi's first visit to Russia in five years and also the first bilateral foreign visit of his third term. Earlier, he visited Russia in 2019, where he attended an economic conference. An old photo of PM Modi has surfaced amid his visit to Russia. This photo is from the time when Narendra Modi visited Moscow for the first time. Narendra Modi's first visit to Russia took place on 6 November 2001, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He arrived in Moscow with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the India-Russia summit.
Narendra Modi's first visit to Russia in 2001
In one of the photos shared by Modi Archive, Narendra Modi can be seen signing a document with Vajpayee and Putin. PM Modi also recalled his 2001 visit to Russia as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, when he met President Vladimir Putin along with a delegation of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Modi shared four photos on X, two of which are from the 2001 visit and two from the 2019 visit.
The doors of friendship opened
Earlier, Modi said that I got the opportunity to meet President Putin for the first time in 2001. I came to Moscow with the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and this was our first meeting. However, Putin never made me feel that I am less important. I am from a small state or I am new. He treated me in a friendly manner. This opened the doors of friendship. We not only discussed issues related to our states but also talked about various issues, our hobbies, global issues.
Modi's first visit after Russia-Ukraine war
PM Modi said that it was very interesting to talk to Putin and I believe our conversation was very informative. This is Modi's first visit to Russia since 2019 and his first visit to Russia since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. After finishing his engagements in Russia on July 9, PM Modi will leave for Austria, which will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to that country in 40 years. Modi and Putin are set to further advance bilateral ties in various sectors, including trade, energy and defence, during the 22nd India-Russia annual summit on Tuesday.
