From the Tverskaya metro station to the legendary Carlton Hotel, the atmosphere turned into a vibrant slice of India as hundreds of Indian nationals thronged in eagerness on Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jai Jai Modi" and "Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai" were some of the slogans that rent the air around the station, along the streets and inside the Carlton Hotel lobby, where PM Modi was staying during his visit to Moscow. People came hours in advance of the scheduled community address of the Prime Minister on the last day of his Russia tour.
Inside the Carlton Hotel, there was cheer as guests feasted on special Gujarati delicacies and 'chai' while waiting for PM Modi's speech on this historic day.
When PM Modi reached the venue in pristine whites—a white kurta, the diaspora erupted in joy.
PM Modi reiterated India's growing stature on the global stage in his speech.
"There is no doubt that the 21st century belongs to India. What was claimed by me once upon a time is now being claimed by the world. India has become a Pillar in the multipolar World. When India speaks of peace and diplomacy, the world listens\", he asserted.
PM Modi further added that they are committed to speeding up the progress of India, as promised during their election campaigns.
"The speed at which India has moved ahead in the last decade is merely a trailer. India will zoom with supersonic speed in the next decade. It is my habit to take challenges and meet them straight." He said this amid thunderous applause.
PM Modi, in a move to strengthen further the close ties between India and Russia, underscored that both were working together towards building a better future.
"India and Russia are marching together to a brighter future. This relationship is of several decades. When anything associated with Russia comes to mind, we remember a partner in joy and sorrow. Let me tell you that the India-Russian relationship has very strong roots of mutual trust and respect," he said.
PM Modi also warmed up the memories of cultural icons like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty who carried Indian culture to Russia's doorsteps, announced new Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
When he spoke about 'Ganga-Volga dialogue' of civilizations during the trip, he drew back to his days as Gujarat's Chief Minister, insisting on the rediscovery of each other's rich cultural heritage.
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