Moscow [Russia], June 8 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Moscow for a two-day official visit to Russia on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

PM Modi was received by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov.

Manturov is senior to the Deputy Prime Minister who received the Chinese President during his visit to Russia. In a rare gesture, the first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Manturov will also accompany PM Modi to the hotel from the airport in the same car.

PM Modi and the Russian President will hold a meeting today. PM Modi will attend a community event in Moscow on Tuesday.

Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, the Indian diaspora expressed enthusiasm to welcome PM Modi. Earlier, Savika, a member of the Indian diaspora said, “I am very excited. I have seen him (PM Modi) only on TV and this will be the first time I will see him in person and I am very happy that the Prime Minister is coming here.”

Young members of the Indian diaspora in Moscow also raised slogans of ‘Vande Mataram’ and cheered for PM Narendra Modi ahead of his arrival to the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday left for a two-nation visit today, beginning with Moscow. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said “PM Narendra Modi sets off on a 2-nation visit to Russia and Austria. The first leg of the visit takes him to Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. An opportunity to further accelerate – partnership.”

PM Modi said that he wishes to discuss aspects of bilateral cooperation with his friend President Putin.

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.