New Delhi (Sputnik) – Dmitry Rogozin, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. A statement released after the meeting says, "the Prime Minister described Russia as a time-tested and reliable friend and reaffirmed the shared commitment with President Putin to expand, strengthen and deepen bilateral engagement across all domains."
Dmitry Rogozin's visit is being seen as a precursor to President Putin's BRICS trip in October.
Weekend diplomacy with Russia. Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin calls on PM @narendramodi in Delhi pic.twitter.com/LOMuFO7M97
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) 20 августа 2016 г.
India and Russia are expecting to conclude a host of defense deals worth billions of dollars by year-end. The deals include the purchase of a S-400 air defense missile system, a IL-78 multi-role tanker transport by India and the joint upgrading of the SU30MKI and Kamov 28, among others.
President Putin is most likely to visit India in October this year to take part in the BRICS summit scheduled to be held in Goa.
