PM Modi heads to Russia today, new defence, energy deals on cards - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hopeful about the outcome of his visit to Russia.

In an update on his Facebook page, PM wrote, "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."

"My mind goes back to 2001. I had just assumed charge as Gujarat CM and had accompanied Atalji to Russia. This was, perhaps, one of the first India-Russia annual Summits, a practice that goes on till date."

He also wrote, "My visit will deepen the cooperation between India and Russia in the economic, energy and security spheres. We also want to increase cooperation in science and technology, mining among other sectors. Trade ties between India and Russia can increase even further, to benefit not only our two nations but also the world."

As per reports, Modi is likely to sign a number of agreements encompassing a very broad range of fields. Talking to reporters, foreign secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that both PM Modi and President Putin will discuss enhanced defence and nuclear energy ties. He also said that since Russia had been a main military and strategic partner of India, there would be a lot of deliberations on that.

Under a new agreement, Russia is also offering to transport the Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fighter jets to India under the joint fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) initiative for $3.7 billion instead of the previous price of $6 billion.