Sochi: Old Friends Putin and Modi Meet on Yacht to Hammer Out "Greater Eurasia" Project

We begin by covering news on international relations. Today, Sochi has been the center of it. A 3-hour long talk on matters related to cooperation, a boat trip, and a meeting with the pupils of the Sirius Educational Center - all of this was included in the meeting of Vladimir Putin with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

We begin by covering news on international relations. Today, Sochi has been the center of it. A 3-hour long talk on matters related to cooperation, a boat trip, and a meeting with the pupils of the Sirius Educational Center — all of this was included in the meeting of Vladimir Putin with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Prior to the visit, the Indian press wrote that Modi went to see an old friend and a reliable partner.

Aleksei Petrov reports from Sochi on this.

This trip to Sochi clearly went beyond the program's protocol. Narendra Modi had a chance to appreciate the beauty of the Black Sea coast: immediately after negotiations, they walked for about three hours and then Russian President invited his Indian guest to make a little boat trip. On the boat Chaika, they left Sochi's port and went to the port of the Imereti Lowlands. During the sea trip, they continued their talks in English without an interpreter.

And there was much to discuss. Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi met for the first time this year but they've already talked via phone several times. Since Putin welcomed him at his doorstep, much can be said about the nature of their relationship. The Indian press was right to expect a long meeting as with an old friend and a reliable partner.

Vladimir Putin: "There is no need to explain Russian-Indian relations since we all know that they have deep roots. However, we have been able to create additional momentum recently. Last year, our trade saw a significant increase and a 17% increase since the beginning of this year".

It is especially important that the structure of exports is gradually changing: Indian enterprises are increasingly purchasing Russian technology and equipment. One of the most striking examples of successful cooperation is nuclear energy. The Koodankulam nuclear power plant was built by Russian specialists; all of the formalities concerning Units 5 and 6 have already been completed, and the construction is about to begin.

Cooperation with Russia is a priority for India and they are ready to protect their interests in New Delhi by all means necessary, especially when questions about the future of the system of global security are being increasingly sounded around the world against the backdrop of the USA's unilateral actions. In this sense, the two states space special emphasis on cooperation within international frameworks. There is a discussion planned for this fall about creating a trade zone between the EEU and India.

Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia: "This "Greater Eurasia" project, as our once president referred to it — it is alive, and its doors aren't shut to anyone, it's open for all countries that can cooperate for mutual benefit on this huge geopolitical arena".

In addition, the parties supported a non-aligned system of security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vladimir Putin: "We're actively working in the sphere of foreign policy including within international organisations such as BRICS, and now the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. We have established very close contact and collaboration between our defense departments. All this indicates a high level of strategic relations between our countries".

Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister: "I am the first Prime Minister of India to visit this city. We have a long-standing relationship; we hold bilateral meetings. I want to thank President Putin for organizing this informal meeting and inviting me".

Following negotiations, Putin and Modi headed to the Sirius educational center; such visitors were a great gift for the pupils. This is one of the strongest educational centers in the country. They arrived when the center held the ceremony winding up this season's educational session. President Putin congratulated the pupils on the completion of their studies.

Vladimir Putin: "The Prime Minister told you we've been working all day long. And he told you what we have been doing: we've been chatting for the whole day. If you want a job like that, you need to study hard. We congratulate you on the end of your studies. I hope that you liked it here. You are so beautiful and handsome, you're all so intelligent. We wish you success!".

Narendra Modi: "I would like for you to go to India; we will make an official tour for you. And when you come to India, I will personally meet with you and discuss various issues".

A tour for guests led by Yelena Shmeleva, Director of the Sirius Centre. While Indian Prime Minister was signing autographs, the audience asked them various questions:

- Vladimir Vladimirovich, did you study well at school?

Vladimir Putin: I could have done better. I need to work on myself.

After visiting the Sirius center, Putin invited his Indian guest to Krasnaya Polyana where the ethnographic center "My Russia" is located. President Putin and Prime Minister Modi checked out examples of utensils and ancient handicrafts of different peoples.

Aleksey Petrov, Anna Tsymailo, Oleg Makarin, Oleg Shavyrin, Vesti, from Sochi.