Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday held delegation-level talks at the India-Russia 20th Annual Summit in Vladivostok.

Addressing the event, Modi said Russia is an integral friend and trustworthy partner of India. “You have personally focussed on expanding our special and privileged strategic partnership. As two integral friends, we have met regularly. I have spoken to you over telephone on several issues, I have never felt any hesitation,” he said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his gratitude for being selected for the “Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle”, the highest civilian award of the Russian Federation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had in April this year signed the decree to award the Indian Prime Minister.

The PM has been decorated with the “Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle” for exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and the Indian people.

The “Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” is used to award prominent statesmen and public figures, eminent representatives of science, culture, the arts and various industries for exceptional services, for promoting the prosperity, grandeur and glory of Russia.

Thanking Putin, Modi said, “You have announced that I will be awarded Russia’s highest civilian award. I express my gratitude to you and the people of Russia. This demonstrates the friendly relations between the people of our two countries. It’s a matter of honour for the 1.3 billion Indians.”

He further thanked the Russian President for inviting him as the chief guest at the fifth Eastern Economic Forum.

“Your invitation to me, for Eastern Economic Forum is a matter of great respect. This is a historic occasion to give a new dimension to the support between the two countries. I am waiting to participate in the forum tomorrow,” PM Modi said in his address.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the delegation-level discussion is on “expanding the spectrum of bilateral ties” between the two countries.

Strengthening the special and privileged relationship

Following a two hour tete-a-tete on board a ship, PM @narendramodi and President Putin lead the delegation-level talks at the India-Russia 20th Annual Summit. Discussion on expanding our spectrum of our bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/J4EaQoSIuR

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 4, 2019

PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Russia, will attend the annual Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) as the chief guest and hold some bilateral meetings on Thursday.

The EEF is held annually with the objective of facilitating accelerated development of the Russian Far East’s economy and expanding international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the EEF, a “Russia-India” dialogue is planned as part of the Forum’s business programme, to be attended by representatives from both countries. In addition, India will have a national stand at the EEF venue to present the country’s economic, industrial, tourism and cultural potential.

Ahead of the delegation-level talks, PM Modi, accompanied by Russian President Vladimir Putin, earlier in the day visited the Zvezda shipbuilding facility which is being expanded and has scope for foreign investment. The PM also interacted with the management and workers of the shipyard.

In a special gesture, Putin accompanied Modi on board a ship on their way to the shipbuilding facility. Both the leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in shipbuilding.

Before departing for Russia, PM Modi said he looked forward to discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest with President Putin.

Modi also said his visit underlines the desire of the two countries to diversify and further strengthen bilateral relations.

Modi and Putin last met in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek in June on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and agreed on the need to explore new areas of cooperation.