In a telephonic conversation, Vladimir Putin invites PM Modi to attend Vladivostok economic forum as the 'Main Guest'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an invitation to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Vladivostock Economic Forum in September 2019. The two leaders who maintain a strategic partnership spoke over the phone on Monday and discussed boosting their joint trade and projects portfolio and engaging the Asia-Pacific region.

Putin wished Modi success in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Russian diplomatic sources said. PM Modi and Putin said they were dedicated to a multilateral approach to resolving important world issues, among them fighting global terrorism.

The event is held annually in Vladivostok in Russia’s the Far East and is aimed at fostering the nation’s trade and joint projects with Asia-Pacific. In 2017, Modi paid a visit to a high-profile economic-themed event in Russia’s St Petersburg. 

Read: Putin In India: From Indo-Russia Joint Statement To S400 Triumf Air Defence System Deal

The two strategic allies have worked together in many multilateral platforms such as BRICS – along with Brazil, China and South Africa – as well as meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly every year.

PM Modi last visited Russia during an informal meeting in the resort port of Sochi in May 2018.

At the time, one of the central issues was the conclusion of Russian arms exports to India, including the advanced anti-missile S-400 weapons system. During Putin’s visit to New Delhi in October to mark the 19th India-Russia bilateral annual summit, the two countries finalized the delivery of the S-400 system.

Last week, Indian officials said that they expect first delivery of the S-400 system in October 2020.