PM Modi Russia Visit Highlights: After ‘Successful’ Russia visit, PM Modi arrives in Austria

PM Narendra Modi is on a two day visit (July 9, July 10) to Austria and he was welcomed at the airport by the country’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Later on, PM Modi was hosted by Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a private engagement.

Now, PM Modi will call upon the president of Austria and hold restricted delegation-level talks and he will also hold a high level business meeting in Austria.

PM Modi will also hold formal talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Later on, PM Modi will interact with the Indian diaspora and community based out in Vienna.

PM Narendra Modi, who arrived in Austria for a two day bilateral summit, was hosted by the country’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a private engagement. It is being considered as an important milestone for the partnership between India and Austria.

Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted pictures of the two leaders on social media and said “An important milestone in India-Austria partnership! PM Narendra Modi hosted by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer for a private engagement. This is the first meeting between the two leaders. Discussions on realising the full potential of bilateral partnership lie ahead.”

An important milestone in ??-?? partnership!

PM @narendramodi hosted by Austrian Chancellor @karlnehammer for a private engagement. This is the first meeting between the two leaders.

Discussions on realising the full potential of bilateral partnership lie ahead. pic.twitter.com/G9L41qVR5I

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 9, 2024

PM Narendra Modi has reached Austria for a two day visit and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his counterpart. PM Modi who was received by Foreign Minister Alexander has responded to Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Chancellor Karl, while posting an update about the bilateral meeting with PM Modi on X, wrote “Welcome to Vienna, PM Narendra Modi.It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit.”

Now, PM Modi has replied in an X post by giving an update about India-Austria relations and the camaraderie both the nations share. PM Modi posted, “Happy to meet you in Vienna, Chancellor Karl Nehammer.The India-Austria friendship is strong and it will get even stronger in the times to come.”

Happy to meet you in Vienna, Chancellor @karlnehammer. The India-Austria friendship is strong and it will get even stronger in the times to come. https://t.co/Sr1FSjVnk3

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2024

After concluding his trip to Russia, PM Narendra Modi arrived in Austria for a two day visit and he was received by Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Now, Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer has welcomed PM Modi by posting a selfie with him.

Chancellor Karl, while posting an update about the bilateral meeting with PM Modi on X, wrote “Welcome to Vienna, PM Narendra Modi.It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit.”

Welcome to Vienna, PM @narendramodi ! It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/e2YJZR1PRs

— Karl Nehammer (@karlnehammer) July 9, 2024

On his arrival in Vienna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg on the Airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vienna on Tuesday from Moscow for a two-day visit to Austria. During this visit, the two nations will explore ways to deepen their bilateral relationship and enhance cooperation on various geopolitical challenges. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years, the last being Indira Gandhi in 1983.

On Wednesday, Modi will meet with the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Additionally, the Prime Minister and Chancellor will address business leaders from both India and Austria.

Landed in Vienna. This visit to Austria is a special one. Our nations are connected by shared values and a commitment to a better planet. Looking forward to the various programmes in Austria including talks with Chancellor @karlnehammer, interactions with the Indian community and… pic.twitter.com/PJaeOWVOm1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2024

Before concluding his trip to Russia, PM Narendra Modi paid tributes to the “Tomb of Unknown Soldier” in Moscow, pictures of which were shared by the Prime Minister's Office on social media.

In the era of geopolitical shifts, the visit of PM Modi, which is the first bilateral meet in his third term, could be a game changer considering the global world order shifting to the multipolar axis.

PM @narendramodi paid tributes at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/UuxjWcacVT

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 9, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia for the 22nd India-Russia summit, held on July 8 and 9. During the visit:

- PM Modi was honored with Russia’s highest civilian award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, by President Vladimir Putin.

- Bilateral talks focused on defense, investment, energy cooperation, education, and culture.

- Modi emphasized the need for peace in Ukraine, stressing that conflicts cannot be resolved through violence.

- He interacted with the Indian community in Moscow, highlighting India’s global role and strengthening ties with Russia.

- The visit underscored the close friendship and partnership between India and Russia, culminating in discussions to deepen mutual trust and respect.

Read more 

1. Bilateral Cooperation in the Russian Far East: India and Russia inked a program for bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, and investment spheres in the Russian Far East from 2024 to 2029, including cooperation principles in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

2. Joint Investment Promotion Framework Agreement: Invest India and JSC "Management Company of Russian Direct Investment Fund” signed an agreement to facilitate investment by Russian companies in the Indian market by promoting and fostering investment cooperation.

3. Trade Promotion MoU: The Trade Promotion Council of India and All Russia Public Organisation "Business Russia” signed an MoU to promote bilateral trade and investment, organize B2B meetings, business promotion events, and exchange business delegations.

4. Climate Change and Low-Carbon Development MoU: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation signed an MoU on climate change and low-carbon development, establishing a Joint Working Group and facilitating information exchange and research.

5. Polar Research and Logistics MoU: India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and Russia's Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute signed an MoU on cooperation in research and logistics in polar regions.

6. Arbitration Cooperation Agreement: The Indian International Arbitration Centre and the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation signed a cooperation agreement to facilitate the settlement of civil law disputes of a commercial nature.

7. Geographical Survey MoU: Survey of India and the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography of the Russian Federation signed an MoU to enhance collaboration in geographical surveys.

8. Broadcasting Cooperation MoU: Prasar Bharati and ANO "TV-Novosti” (Russia Today TV Channel) signed an MoU on cooperation and collaboration in broadcasting.

9. Pharmaceutical Standards MoU: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and Russia's Federal State Budgetary Institution "Scientific Centre for Expert Evaluation of Medicinal Products” signed an MoU to collaborate on pharmaceutical standards and evaluation.

India significantly boosted its imports of Russian grain and grain products 22-fold during the 2023/24 agricultural season, surpassing other major importers, as per data released during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow. Economic cooperation between the two BRICS members, both major agricultural powers, was a key focus of the visit. Modi expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for supporting Indian farmers with consistent fertilizer supplies, noting, "Thanks to our friendship, we managed to resolve difficulties for Indian farmers. We met all their needs for fertilizers. This is a special role of our friendship."

Russia and India have set an ambitious bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030, up from the current $65 billion, as stated by Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. In a joint statement after their talks, the two nations pledged to further enhance bilateral agriculture and fertilizer trade, aiming to ease existing phytosanitary and veterinary barriers. Data from the Russian agricultural watchdog indicated Russia exported up to 89.3 million tons of grain and grain products in the 2023/24 season, a 21% increase from the previous season. Russia was the fourth-largest agricultural products exporter to India in early 2024, with India leading import increases ahead of Indonesia and Tunisia.

India and Russia have agreed to significantly enhance their bilateral trade to over USD 100 billion by 2030 through various measures. These include boosting investments, using national currencies for trade settlements, and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and digital economy. 

Both nations aim to eliminate non-tariff trade barriers, explore the possibility of a free trade area, and increase cargo turnover via new transport routes. The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in nuclear energy, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts, aiming to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after concluding a two-day state visit to Russia, has departed for Austria following what the Ministry of External Affairs described as a "successful" trip. 

Upon arrival in Vienna, he is scheduled to meet Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. 

This visit to Austria is significant as it marks the first by an Indian prime minister in the past four decades, since Indira Gandhi's visit to the Central European nation in 1983.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra announced on Tuesday that Russia had committed to initiating the repatriation of Indian nationals who had been "misled" into joining its military. Kwatra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his current two-day visit to Russia, had raised the issue forcefully in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Kwatra, the Russian authorities assured that they would expedite the process of releasing all individuals involved in this matter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for bestowing upon him Russia's highest civilian award. "I extend my deepest thanks to you, President Putin, for this honor. This award is not just mine; it belongs to 140 crore Indians."

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour, Order of St Andrew the Apostle on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/aBBJ2QAINF

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday officially conferred the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' award by Russian President Vladimir Putin for exceptional services in promoting bilateral ties between the two countries.

"Honoured to receive the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. I dedicate it to the people of India," Modi said in a post on X after receiving the award at a ceremony here.

Established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and patron saint of Russia, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle is the highest state decoration of Russia.

Preparations are underway as PM Modi is set to receive Russia's highest civilian honour, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle in the Kremlin.

VIDEO | Preparations are underway as PM Modi (@narendramodi) is set to receive Russia's highest civilian honour, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle in Kremlin.

(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/EoMeQboIez

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that the death of innocent children in war, conflict or a terrorist attack "is very painful", a day after Ukraine said Kyiv's main children's hospital was hit by a deadly Russian missile strike.

Modi also told Putin that a solution to the war in Ukraine "cannot be found on the battlefield ... we have to find peace through talks".

Russia has denied attacking the children's hospital in Ukraine's capital.  (Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov visited the ATOM pavilion at VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov, at ATOM pavilion at VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/JPS4ICaZFH

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Tuesday expressed "huge disappointment", calling it a "devastating blow to peace efforts".

Speaking about an attack on a children's hospital in the capital Kyiv, Zelenskyy said, "In Ukraine today, 37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia’s brutal missile strike. A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble."

"It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day," he wrote in a post on X.

Read more here.

In Ukraine today, 37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia’s brutal missile strike.

A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were… pic.twitter.com/V1k7PEz2rJ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) July 8, 2024

The Indian community in Moscow welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia on Tuesday morning with full fervour.

Watch here:

According to news agency PTI, Ukraine conflict and economic agenda are among the few things that are likely to be the focus of talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 22nd India-Russia annual summit in Moscow.

The two leaders will also discuss ways to further shore up India-Russia cooperation in sectors such as energy, trade, manufacturing and fertilisers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Russia's Moscow, asserted that India is being seen as a strong pillar in the evolving multipolar world.

"Entire world believes today that 21st century is India's century; India is seen as a strong pillar in evolving multipolar world. Today's world needs confluence, not influence, and no one can understand it better than India... India's growing capabilities have given a new hope of stability and prosperity to entire world: PM Modi in Russia," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Russia's Moscow, said, 'I have taken an oath to work three-times faster and with three-times more strength in my third term... The entire world is amazed by the speed of development India has acquired in the last ten years.'

'India is transforming today because it believes in the strength of its 140 crore citizens and its diaspora across the world,' he said infront of the Indian diaspora in Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Russia's Moscow, said that India, these days, is filled with self-confidence, and this is its biggest capital.

'Today's India is full of self-confidence, unlike the situation before 2014, and this is our biggest capital. Today's youth in India doesn't concede defeat till last moment, just like our cricket team,' he said, referring to the recent victory of India in T20 World Cup.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Russia's Moscow, said that cinema played a key role in strengthening India-Russia relations, and recalled the role played by Raj Kapoor, and Mithun Chakraborty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Russia's Moscow, announced that India will open two new consulates in Russia.

"India has decided to open two new consulates in Russia; this will further ease mobility and trade," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his two-day visit to Russia, addressing the Indian community in the country, called Russia ‘India’s all-weather friend’, amid chants of ‘Modi-Modi’.

"You all are contributing to new heights in relations between India and Russia... I appreciate the efforts of President Putin towards strengthening the ties between the two countries... We have met each other 17 times so far, all these meetings have led to an increase in trust and respect between us," he said in his address.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently addressing the Indian community in Russia's capital city of Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his two-day visit to Russia, is currently addressing the Indian community in the country, amid chants of ‘Modi-Modi.’ 

Russia has broadly heeded to India's call to end the recruitment of Indians as support staff to the Russian military and ensure the return of those still operating in the force, top sources told news agency PTI on Tuesday.

The issue was brought up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an informal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last night, PTI has learnt.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said two Indian nationals serving with the Russian Army were killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, taking the number of such deaths to four. Following these deaths, New Delhi demanded a "verified stop" to further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army. (PTI)

The United States has raised concerns with India about its relationship with Russia amid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, a US State Department spokesperson told reporters on Monday.

"I will look to Prime Minister Modi's public remarks to see what he talked about but as I said, we have made quite clear directly with India our concerns about their relationship with Russia," news agency Reuters quoted a State Department spokesperson.

"And so we would hope India and any other country when they engage with Russia would make clear that Russia should respect the UN Charter, should respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the official stated. Read more here.

On day two of his Russia visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday will co-chair the 22nd India-Russia annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Around noon, Putin and Modi will start talking. We expect that there will be a private conversation, as well as Russian-Indian talks over an official breakfast,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the state-owned TASS news agency.

During his visit to Russia for the Indo-Russian annual summit, PM Narendra Modi met with the Indian diaspora in Moscow. PM Modi thanked the Indian community for the affection that greeted him with cheers.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Embassy of India in Moscow (@india_in_russia)

During an informal talk between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Narendra Modi in Moscow over India-Russia Annual Summit, Putin congratulated PM Modi over his victory and gaining a hattrick in the power centre of Delhi.

India’s election results were announced on June 4 and PM Modi’s party BJP-led NDA came back to power for the third consecutive time.

According to Russian state owned news agency Sputnik, President Putin, through his translator, said that “First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your re-election as Prime Minister. I think that this is no coincidence, this is the result of your work for many years as the head of the government. You have your own ideas, you are a very energetic person, you know how to achieve results in the interests of India and the Indian people. And the result is obvious.”

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has moved closer to China as the West blocked and sanctioned Russian import-export while the former soviet union transacted more with China.

In the aftermath of the Ukraine war, Russia started selling fuel at a discounted price which attracted India to import its oil requirements. Initially, it was 2-4% of India’s total fuel import, and now India imports over 40% of its oil requirements from Russia.

India-China border standoff has deteriorated the relations between the two countries and it reached a new low in June 2020 Galwan Valley standoff. The companionship with Russia is the common factor between Delhi and Beijing and PM Modi would smartly craft his steps in the discourse over world affairs.

PM Narendra Modi, who will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin officially on Tuesday, to co-chair India-Russia annual summit meet is meeting the latter for the 16th time since coming to power.

PM Modi’s Russia visit showcases the importance of India-Russia ties for India, specifically in the defence and energy sector. New Delhi will also seek to ensure that China does not become a factor in the relationship.

Read More

According to the Foreign Secretary of India, Vinay Kwatra, India-Russia trade exchange has touched $65 billion in 2023-24 Financial Year due to the energy cooperation between the two countries shooting up.

In order to correct the trade imbalance India has had with Russia, India increased its export said Vinay Kwatra.

India’s top exports to Russia include drugs and pharmaceutical products, telecom instruments, iron and steel, marine products and machinery.

Its top imports from Russia include crude oil and petroleum products, coal and coke, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, fertilizer, vegetable oil, gold and silver.

(with inputs from AP)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Moscow on Monday, the annual India-Russia summit began informally with him meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although the official meet and statements will be carried out on Tuesday, speculations are rife about the focus of the bilateral meeting.

It is PM Modi’s first bilateral meeting in his third tenure as the Prime Minister. The focus of the annual summit is likely to be focused upon boosting bilateral cooperation in the areas of investment, trade, people to people exchange, security and energy.

Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia in February 2022, is also set to feature in the bilateral talks between the two countries. It would be intriguing to observe how Delhi views Moscow's stance on Kyiv and its sovereignty.

In an X post, PM Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude towards President Vladimir Putin for hosting him at Novo-Ogaryovo. PM Modi posted pictures of him and Puting hugging and greeting each other.

PM Modi had last visited Russia in 2019 although the Russian President Putin visited India on December 6, 2021 to attend the  India-Russia annual summit.

PM Modi, in the X post wrote, “Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia.”

Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia. pic.twitter.com/eDdgDr0USZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2024

During the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia annual summit, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked about the surprises being prepared for India's Prime Minsiter, but Peskov responded in negative.

According to PTI, Peskov said that “Our task is not to prepare surprises but to create an atmosphere for a substantive conversation.” It is the first visit of PM Modi to Russia since the Soviet nation attacked Ukraine in February 2022. He last visited Russia in 2019.

As per Kremlin spokesman Peskov, PM Modi and President Putin will hold informal meetings and talks on Monday and the official meeting will take place on Tuesday. Though there was no mention of Ukraine by the spokesperson and the most talked about issue hasn’t been mentioned anywhere till now.

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold extended meetings and private talks with each other on Tuesday, a top Russian official told PTI. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who was quoted by state news agency TASS, said that “Around noon, Putin and Modi will start talking. We expect that there will be a private conversation, as well as Russian-Indian talks over an official breakfast.”

PM Modi is in Russia to co-chair the 22nd India-Russia annual summit alongside President Putin. PM Modi and President Putin are not scheduled to give any joint press communications or statements after the meeting is concluded, spokesperson Peskov added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Russian President Vladimir Putin at his official residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, near Moscow, for a “private engagement” ahead of the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs called it "a meeting of two close friends and trusted partners."

"An occasion for the two leaders to cherish & celebrate India-Russia friendship," the post added.

A meeting of two close friends and trusted partners.

PM @narendramodi welcomed by President Vladimir Putin of Russia at his official residence at Novo-Ogaryovo for a private engagement.

An occasion for the two leaders to cherish & celebrate ??-?? friendship. pic.twitter.com/g3DuNyowHG

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 8, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Russian capital Moscow to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. He had earlier said that he is looking forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with “friend Vladimir Putin.” He further said that both the leaders will “seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region.” This is Modi’s first visit to Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, the two leaders will share perspectives on “regional and global developments of mutual interest.”

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed the Mamata Banerjee government’s challenge to the Calcutta High Court order directing the CBI to probe allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali – in which suspended TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh is a key accused – saying the state had not done anything in the matter for months.

“You don’t do anything for months. You couldn’t arrest that person,” Justice B R Gavai presiding over a two-judge bench said while rejecting the appeal.

The top court also questioned West Bengal’s stand that the HC order has also directed the transfer of the cases related to the alleged ration scam in which the state police had already lodged 43 FIRs, the first of which was four years ago. Read the full story here.

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Centre to frame a model policy on menstrual leave for women employees by holding consultations with states and other stakeholders, news agency PTI reported.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said the issue related to policy and was not an issue for the courts to look into. Moreover, such a decision from a court on granting such leave to women may prove to be counterproductive and “detrimental” to the cause as employers may avoid employing them. 

The top court had earlier disposed of a plea seeking menstrual pain leave for women students and working women across the country.

Read more here.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday reviewed the flood situation across the state owing to heavy rainfall.

Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Anil Patil, Mumbai City District Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. I. S. Chahal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Vikas Kharge, Disaster Department Secretary Sonia Sethi etc. were present during the meet.

(Express Photos)

The Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi extended his condolences to families affected in floods in Assam after visiting the state on Monday.

"The extreme devastation caused by flooding in Assam is heartbreaking - with innocent children like 8-year old Avinash being taken away from us. My heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families across the State," Gandhi stated on X (formerly Twitter).

"Assam Congress leaders apprised me of the situation on ground: 60+ deaths, 53,000+ displaced, 24,00,000 affected. These numbers reflect the gross and grave mismanagement by BJP's double-engine government which came to power with the promise of a "flood-free Assam," Gandhi said.

The extreme devastation caused by flooding in Assam is heartbreaking - with innocent children like 8-year old Avinash being taken away from us.

My heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families across the State.

Assam Congress leaders apprised me of the situation on… pic.twitter.com/Nbx356QPEF

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 8, 2024

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is likely over parts of Central, northeast and adjoining east over the next five days.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall spell with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and coastal Karnataka today and heavy to very heavy rainfall during subsequent 4-5 days," the IMD stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited Russia in 2001 as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, when he accompanied the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Moscow to attend the India-Russia Summit, a post on X by Modi Archive recalled.

"In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fondly recalled this [2001] visit, noting that it marked his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin. He remarked that despite being from a small state and relatively new to the international stage, President Putin treated him with great respect, which opened the doors to a lasting friendship," the post stated.

"During this visit, CM Modi also signed a protocol pact for cooperation between his state Gujarat and the Russian province Astrakhan in which both states agreed to work together in the fields of petro and hydrocarbon sectors, trade, science and technology, education, tourism and culture. In the following years, these ties were strengthened through several visits. Notably, in 2006, Modi visited Astrakhan and met with Governor Alexander Zhilkin, and the protocol pact for cooperation was extended for another five years," it stated.

"In 2009, he was invited to address the 4th International Energy Week and deliver a keynote at the 9th Russian Oil and Gas Week conference. CM Modi stumped the Russian businessmen by giving the presentation in Russian! These engagements laid the foundation for the Gujarat-Russia partnership, particularly in the energy and petrochemical sectors. Today, the benefits of this strong relationship extend to the entire nation," it further said.

The longstanding relationship between India and Russia has deep historical roots, significantly strengthened by Prime Minister @narendramodi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Narendra Modi's first visit to #Russia was on November 6, 2001, when he was the Chief… pic.twitter.com/E0fBxhMip0

— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) July 8, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached Jiribam district on Monday, and met with displaced Meitei people in a relief camp there.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia and his talks with President Vladimir Putin will focus on bilateral trade and economic ties and new areas of scientific and technological research, the Indian Ambassador to Russia has said, expressing confidence that the talks will yield “tangible outcomes” in many areas.

The two leaders will review the entire range of multifaceted relations between the two countries and exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi on Thursday while announcing the high-level visit starting on Monday.

Read more here.

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Monday met displaced people from the Kuki-Zo community from Jiribam in Assam's Cachar district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned for Russia from India around 11 am on Monday.

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai led to significant water logging on railway tracks and roads, disrupting several long-distance and suburban local train as well as bus services during Monday morning rush hour.

According to the Mumbai Division of Central Railway (CR), while services on the main line (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-Kalyan) are operational, trains between Bhandup and Nahur were being run by clamping and padlocking the points due to the heavy rain and waterlogging.

Know more about the disrupted services in Mumbai today here.

Ahead of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to Jiribam on Monday, firing by unidentified gunmen in the Meitei area of Gularthal in Jiribam district in the early hours this morning prompted action by security forces leading to an exchange of fire, as reported by news agency PTI.  

Gandhi's visit to Manipur’s Jiribam comes as the clashes triggered by a killing earlier in June shattered the district’s tenuous year-long peace. 

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi Monday met people who have been affected by the Assam floods and are staying in a relief camp in Lakhipur.

He is then scheduled to visit strife-torn Manipur. 

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of his scheduled visit to Russia and Austria over the next three days, said, "Over the next three days, will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time tested friendship. I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community living in these countries."

Over the next three days, will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time tested friendship. I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community living in these countries.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2024