New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at BRICS summit which began on Saturday in Benaulim village of South Goa, circled around India-Russia ties.  PM began his media statement by welcoming President Putin saying "An Old friend is better than two new friends".

  • I am aware of your deep affection for India. Your personal attention has been a source of strength in our relationship: PM Narendra Modi


 

  • PM Modi via his speech told President Putin that, “In a complex and changing global context, your leadership has provided stability and substance to our strategic partnership”


 

  • Highly productive outcomes of meeting establish special and privileged nature of strategic partnership; lay foundations for deeper defence and economic ties: PM Narendra Modi


 

  • Talking about the Hydrocarbon sector PM said, “In last 4 months alone, Indian companies have invested close to US$ 5.5 billion in Russia’s Oil and Gas sector”


 

  • Robust civil nuclear cooperation, LNG sourcing, partnership in Oil and Gas, engagement in renewables can construct an Energy Bridge between our two countries said PM Modi


 

  • PM said, “Agreed to set up an S&T Commission. Our societies will reap benefits of joint development ,transfer and sharing of cutting edge techology in different fields”


 

  • We also continue to expand, diversify and deepen our economic engagement