Putin, Modi hold summit

December 7

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have held talks.

 

Their first face-to-face meeting in over two years took place in India's capital New Delhi on Monday.

 

The leaders are believed to have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, security and energy. They are also believed to have exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops.

 

Attention is also on what they have discussed regarding the S400 surface-to-air missile system that India purchased from Russia. India is working to deploy the system in the country, while the United States is expressing concern.

 

The first ever two-plus-two meeting of the foreign and defense ministers between the countries was held before the summit.

 

The summit came as the so-called Quad alliance, including the US, Japan, Australia and India, takes shape. The US hopes to step up cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Observers say Russia wants to emphasize friendly ties with India.

 

NHK