Addressing a joint press event with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi recalled that he visited Russia within a month after becoming chief minister of Gujarat in 2001.
"Sixteen years ago, I came here as part of a delegation. The then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Putin was standing here when I was signing an agreement as chief minister," the 66-year-old leader said.
"Today, I have the privilege to stand here as Prime Minister" of India, Modi said.