Putin, Modi Hold Informal Talks At Kremlin Leader's Residence

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi late on Monday and toured him around his residence outside Moscow ahead of official talks in the Kremlin, Lucy Papachristou wrote for Reuters.

The Russian president offered Modi, who is on his first visit to Russia in five years, tea, berries, and sweets, and took him on a tour of the grounds in a motorized cart. I Photo: Narendra Modi Facebook

Putin embraced the Indian leader at his home in Novo-Ogaryovo, greeted him as his "dear friend," and said he was "very happy" to see him, according to an account by Russia's TASS state news agency.

"Our official talks are tomorrow, while today in this comfortable, cozy setting we can probably discuss the same issues, but unofficially," TASS quoted Putin as saying.

The Russian president offered Modi, who is on his first visit to Russia in five years, tea, berries, and sweets, and took him on a tour of the grounds in a motorized cart. Modi's trip to Moscow and India's relationship with Russia amid the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine raise concerns, the US State Department said.

India, which has enjoyed a close relationship with Moscow for decades, has refused to condemn Russia for the war, instead calling for an end to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.