Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his visit to Russia will deepen the cooperation between the two nations in the economic, energy and security spheres. Before his departure, in a Facebook post, Mr Modi said, India and Russia also want to increase cooperation in science and technology, mining among other sectors. He said, trade ties between India and Russia can increase even further, to benefit not only the two nations but also the world. The Prime Minister said, he is very optimistic about the outcome of this visit. <br/><br/>He said, history is witness to the close ties India and Russia have had over the decades and Russia remains one of India's most valued friends in the world. Mr Modi also recalled his visit to Russia as the Chief Minister of Gujarat where he had accompanied then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for India-Russia annual Summit. He said, the visit will witness extensive deliberations with President Vladimir Putin. <br/><br/>The Prime Minister said, there will be an interaction with Russian businesspersons to invite them to invest in India and he will also attend a Friends of India programme. Mr Modi expressed confidence that this visit will substantially take forward the already strong people to people ties between the two nations.