PM Modi in Russia: Talks with President Putin, signing of pacts on key areas today's agenda - Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are to hold 16th India-Russia annual summit talks on Thursday at the Kremlin after which the two sides are likely to sign a number of agreements to expand cooperation in a number of important areas including defence, nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and trade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a private tete-a-tete at the Kremlin on Wednesday during which the two leaders talked about the issues of mutual interest for both countries.

The meeting took place hours after Modi reached Moscow to a red carpet welcome. Putin also hosted a private dinner for PM Modi.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted sharing pictures of the two leaders shaking hands, "Building Druzhba-Dosti over dinner. President Putin hosts a private tete-a-tete for PM."

The discussions between the two countries, bound by "special and privileged strategic ties", have been taking place alternately in Moscow and New Delhi since 2000. In the nuclear energy sector, India is likely to offer a site in Andhra Pradesh to develop units five and six of Kudankulam nuclear power plant. The new plants will be according to the broad principles of 'Make in India' initiative and a decision in this regard is expected to be finalized tomorrow.

It is expected that both countries will sign a number of defence deals also.

Last week, India's Defence Ministry's top acquisition council had cleared the acquisition of Russian S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems at an approximate cost of Rs 40,000 crore and there may be an announcement of the agreement tomorrow apart from a few others.

Besides bilateral issues, Modi and Putin are likely to discuss a number of global issues having political dimensions including the situation in Syria and ways to deal with terrorism.

It will be Modi's second summit with Putin who had come to New Delhi last year for the 15th India-Russia Summit.