Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the Indo-Russian relations as a "special privileged partnership"
Prime Minister Modi is on a one-day visit to the Russian city of Sochi for an informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In his one-on-one interaction with President Putin here, Prime Minister Modi said the meeting would add a new dimension to the bilateral relations between the two countries.
"India and Russia have shared bilateral friendships for a long time. I am happy to be invited for an informal summit, which will add a new chapter to our bilateral relations," he said.
During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Russia's role in helping India become a permanent member of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation. He also thanked Russia for inviting India to the 2017 International Economic Forum held at St. Petersburg.
"You (President Putin) visited India after being elected as the President to meet the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. You highlighted the strong democratic institutes of both India and Russia and the rich heritage of India which is still remembered by Indians," he added.
Reiterating the words of former Prime Minister Vajpayee, Prime Minister Modi stated that India would want to see Russia as a self-dependent and confident nation, which will play an important role in the multi-polar world.
"We are witnessing the accomplishment of the dream seen by Vajpayee to strengthen relations," he added.
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to congratulate President Putin for being re-elected to his post for the fourth time, and also extended his wishes for the Football World Club (FIFA) to be held in July this year by Russia.
"I got the opportunity to visit Russia and meet you (President Putin). It was my maiden meeting with a global leader. Following that, I have received multiple opportunities to hold talk with you and discuss various global issues," he added.
The Prime Minister's visit to Sochi is the first to be undertaken by an Indian Prime Minister.
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