Modi to visit Russia for talks with Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia next week and meet with President Vladimir Putin. India's foreign ministry says Modi will start a two-day tour from Monday and engage in talks with Putin. It will be Modi's first official visit to the country.

New Delhi is a traditional partner of Moscow in areas such as defense and it has been strengthening economic ties with Moscow and increasing its imports of Russian oil. The Kremlin says the talks will focus on developing the traditionally friendly ties between the two countries, as well as regional and international issues. Observers say Putin is looking to develop cooperation with New Delhi, seen as a leader of the Global South.