Putin welcomes opening of Indian Consulate in Russian city of Kazan

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday welcomed the opening of a new Indian Consulate General in the Russian city of Kazan, the administrative center of the southwestern Tatarstan region.

Opening a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, which began Tuesday, Putin said relations between Moscow and New Delhi continue to actively develop and have the character of a privileged partnership.

"We welcome your decision to open the consulate general of India in Kazan. The expansion of India's diplomatic presence in Russia will contribute to the further development of bilateral relations," Putin stressed.

The Russian president also highlighted frequent contacts with his Indian counterpart, saying: "We regularly exchange information over the phone."

For his part, Modi said that his second visit to Russia in recent months speaks of coordination and strong friendship with Moscow, adding that cooperation in all areas has strengthened.

He also said that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine should be resolved peacefully, reiterating India's willingness to provide possible assistance.

The three-day summit of BRICS includes longtime members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – the source of the group’s name – along with recent additions Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is due to attend as a guest.