Watch: PM Modi Patted Putin’s Back During Rosatom Pavilion Visit In Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi; both leaders greeted each other warmly and toured the Rosatom Pavilion at VDNKH. PM Modi engaged with officials during the visit. The Rosatom Pavilion is Russia’s largest and most modern exhibition dedicated to nuclear energy.

During his two-day visit to Russia, PM Modi paid tributes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “A solemn homage to the brave! PM @narendramodi laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, saluting valour, sacrifice and indomitable human courage.”

A video of PM Modi patting President Putin on the back at the Rosatom Pavilion went viral. Viewed as an image of bonhomie, the moment came when both the leaders were engaged in a light-hearted conversation while weaving through the exhibition.

Modi spoke at the Indian Russian bilateral relations and the role the ‘Indian diaspora’ has to play in strengthening them further. He also announced new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. Jaiswal posted on X, “Strengthening bonds with our own!’ PM @narendramodi interacted with the Indian community in Russia today. PM announced the opening of Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.”

PM Modi hailed the strong ties between India and Russia while lauding the contributions of the Indian community to Russian society. He said, “I am happy that India and Russia are working shoulder to shoulder to give new energy to Global Prosperity. All of you present here are giving new heights to the relations between India and Russia.”

PM Modi drew upon the historic relations that both nations shared, right from mutual trust to mutual respect. He drew upon that famous song, ‘Sir pe lal topi Russi’, and the atmosphere of friendship created by artists like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty. He also appreciated President Vladimir Putin’s role in creating the momentum for India-Russia relations, mentioning their various meetings during the last ten years.

Elongating further on the transforming India and achievements of the last decade with regard to space, digital transactions, social sector policies, and startup ecosystem, PM Modi said, “Today’s India makes sure it achieves the target it sets. Today, India is the country that takes Chandrayaan to the part of the moon that no other country in the world could reach.”

Accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, and India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, PM Modi attended the informal meeting with President Putin at the President’s House.

PM Modi reached Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit and was extended a ceremonial reception at the airport by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Modi and Putin have met 16 times in the past decade, while their last in-person meeting had been during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Samarkand in 2022.