The 12th Indo-Russia Annual Summit will be held at the grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow today. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who arrived in Moscow yesterday evening to participate in the Summit, will have a meeting with President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev followed by delegation level talks and signing of agreements.

This year’s Indo-Russia Annual Summit takes place at the backdrop of complex international environment, hence discussions at the Summit would also focus on crisis facing the global economy, situation in West Asia, the Gulf and Afghanistan and the impact of all this on peace and stability of the world.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh would discuss with President Medvedev how to further enhance consultation in international forums like the UN Security Council, G-20, BRICS as well as the East Asia Summit.

India’s bilateral relations with Russia are based on mutual trust, friendship and shared interests. The relationship encompasses diverse sectors including nuclear energy, defence, space, science and technology, hydrocarbons, trade and investment and people to people contact.

Today’s Summit will focus on further expanding trade, economic and commercial fields. The CEO’s forum and trade and investment forum will be activated. Dr. Manmohan Singh will also be meeting Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who has played a key role in the strategic partnership and who will be the architect of the Indo-Russia contemporary relationship.

Indian Ambassador in Moscow Ajay Malhotra told AIR Correspondent that bilateral cooperation will be extended in the areas of nano technology, education, culture and information technology. He said that ties with Russia continue to be a key pillar in India’s foreign policy.