Hugs, smiles and a delicate diplomatic dance as Modi meets Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin “my dear friend” and hailed Russia as a “partner in happiness and sorrow”. - AFP

NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin drew Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi into a warm bear hug, referred to him as his “dearest friend”, took him for a drive around his official residence of Novo-Ogaryovo on the outskirts of Moscow, and had multiple meetings with him over Modi’s two-day visit to Russia.

The Indian Prime Minister, in turn, called the Russian strongman “my dear friend” and hailed Russia as a “partner in happiness and sorrow”.