Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an amiable bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. Before the hug with which Putin greeted Modi, he could not help commenting in a tongue-in-cheek manner, pointing to the apparent ease of their communication: "You understand me without a translator."
In his statement opening, Putin underlined the deeper ties between India and Russia, as they considered BRICS one of their leading cooperation. "Our nations are founding members, and we value growing collaboration in between our legislatures, constant dialogue in between our foreign ministers, and positive growth in trade," said Putin. He also urged mutual decisions in these summits to further develop the bonds within the BRICS alliance.
"We have such a relationship that I felt that you do not need any translation," a smiling Putin told PM Modi during the bilateral meeting.
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"We remain in constant communication about the conflict, and as I've said before, we believe problems should be resolved through dialogue and peace," Modi reiterated.
Modis visit to Kazan was welcomed warmly by Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan. Modi was treated to local Tatar delicacies like chak-chak and salted karavai, for which he said thanks, calling it "A connect like no other!."
The 16th BRICS Summit is being held from October 22-24 in Kazan under the chairmanship of Russia.
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