Modi receives grand reception in Russia

MOSCOW: Dance moves by Russian artists to Hindi songs. Followed by a guard of honour and Putin's grand feast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand reception in Russia on Monday.

Modi, who reached Moscow for a two-day visit, was received by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov. In a rare gesture, Manturov accompanied PM Modi to the Carlton Hotel from the airport in the same car.

Manturov holds the highest rank among the ten Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia. He is senior to the Deputy Prime Minister who received Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Russia. By sending Manturov to receive Modi, Russia has once again sent out the message that India is its closest partner. This is Modi's first visit to Russia after 2019.

Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will sign strategic agreements at the 22nd India-Russia Summit today.

PM Modi greeted members of the Indian diaspora, who were outside The Carlton Hotel to welcome him. He shook hands and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora. He met with children who were happy to see PM Modi. People held Indian flags and posters of PM Modi and chanted "Modi Modi" to welcome him at the hotel. Artists dressed in Indian attire performed in the hotel to welcome PM Modi.

PM Modi will address the Indian community in Moscow today. After laying a wreath at the Military Memorial in the Kremlin, he will visit the Rosatom Exhibition Pavilion in Moscow.

Putin's special feast
Russian President Putin hosted a dinner for Modi last night. The reception was held at Putin's holiday residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, west of Moscow. During the meeting, Putin said that Modi had dedicated his entire life to public service and that he was doing good things for India. He also congratulated Modi for coming to power for the third term.