PM Modi left for far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok today for a 36-hour visit in which he will participate at the Eastern Economic Forum as one of the chief guest and the 20th annual India Russia summit that alternates between both the countries.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said India and Russia 'enjoy excellent relations, based on the strong foundation of our special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' and the 'strong partnership is complemented by a desire to promote a multipolar world and the two countries closely cooperate towards this end in regional and multilateral fora.'

On the first day, he along with President of Russia Vladimir Putin will visit ‘Zvezda’ shipbuilding plant which makes vessels including icebreakers and oil tankers and ‘Street of the Far East’ exhibition. The first day will also see the annual India Russia summit with both leaders holding bilateral talks.

On the second day, PM Modi will speak at the plenary of the Eastern Economic Forum and along with President of Russia go to a judo championship event. A 6 member Indian team is in Vladivostok to take part in the championship.

"I look forward to discussing with my friend President Putin the entire gamut of our bilateral partnership as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.", PM said.

India believes its engagement with Russian far east will help its Indopacific engagement and can help in shortage of manpower in that part of Russia. With the opening of the northern sea route and arctic becoming the focus, New Delhi's presence in the region will meet its energy need.

A fiver year road map (2019-2024) will be announced on hydrocarbon cooperation both in term of purchase and exploration. COAL India and Steel Authority of India are will sign MoUs with there Russian counterpart for export of coking coal and cooperation in the mining sector.

Asked if Kamov Ka-226 or Ka 226 T --Russian utility helicopter contract will be signed, Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in a briefing said, "As far as I am aware there will be no announcement regarding any specific agreements that have been reached"

An India-Russia business dialogue will be facilitated by a 50 member delegation from Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry(FICCI). The 50 member delegation has reached the Russian city and hopes to sign 8 to 10 business MoUs during PM Modi's visit.

Russia was the first permanent five United Nations Security Council members country to back New Delhi on the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The foreign secretary said, "The Russian Federation has clearly stated that they stand fully behind India on this whole issue--whether its Article 370 or whether it's cross border terror we have no doubt and this have been reiterated...The Russian side is fully behind us on this matter"

Ahead of PM's visit, India's National security advisor Ajit Doval, External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Energy Minister Dharmendra pradhan. Russia will train 4 Indian astronauts from November 2019 for India's manned mission to space Gaganyaan.