Afghanistan on agenda as Putin, Modi meet

KABUL (Pajhwok): Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi today (Monday) for talks with top Indian leaders on issues including Afghanistan.

As part of the 21st India-Russia annual summit, Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his defence and foreign ministers.

Besides regional security concerns and defence cooperation, the two sides would also discuss recent developments in Afghanistan, Indian media outlets said.

Modi and Putin would review prospects of bilateral ties and discuss ways of further boosting the Russo-Indian strategic partnership, NDTV reported.

Ahead of the annual summit, the two sides will hold their maiden 2+2 dialogue at the level of foreign and defence ministers.

On Friday, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev said New Delhi and Moscow would reach military understanding during Putin’s visit.

After the Putin-Modi meeting, the two countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements in various areas.

Putin is scheduled to give the model of an S-400 air defence system to Modi as a symbol of delivery of the weapons system to India.

PAN Monitor/mud