PM Modi leaves for Russia: From nuclear deal to defence acquisitions - what all to expect

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Russia on Wednesday for a two-day visit that is part of the annual summit talks with President Vladimir Putin. After their meeting in Moscow on Thursday, the two leaders are expected to sign key agreements focused at expanding the strategic ties with a particular focus on nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, defence, trade and counter-terrorism.

Ahead of his departure, PM Modi expressed hope that the visit would deepen bilateral ties between the two nations.

"Today I will commence my visit to Russia, my first bilateral visit after we formed the Government. I am very optimistic about the outcome of this visit. History is witness to the close ties India and Russia have had over the decades. Russia remains one of India's most valued friends in the world," he said in his Facebook post.

Here is all what India can expect from the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Russia:-  

-India, Russia are likely to sign at least 20 agreements in a range of sectors including nuclear energy, bilateral trade and defence.

-After Defence Ministry's clearance, a deal on purchase of Russian S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems is likely to be inked.

-A deal on expanding bilateral trade, which currently stands at $10 billion, to $30 billion in the next 10 years.

-In a move to scale up cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, India and Russia are likely to sign an agreement on Kudankulam units 5 and 6.

-A Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Zone.

-India is also likely to seek Russia's backing for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

-Modi and Putin are likely to deliberate on a number of global issues having political dimensions including the situation in Syria and ways to tackle terrorism including an action plan to combat international terrorism.

-India is also likely to push Russia to share details on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose – an issue that had figured during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's recent visit to Moscow.

-Both sides will also explore possibility of enhancing people-to-people contacts and boosting tourism.