As President Putin prepares for a visit to India, old images of him with Prime Minister Modi from 2001 have resurfaced. Then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi accompanied PM Vajpayee to Moscow, marking his first international engagement and early diplomatic interaction with Putin. The visit fostered cooperation between Gujarat and Russia’s Astrakhan region. Then-Gujarat CM Modi accompanying then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in a meeting with Putin NEW DELHI: As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to visit India for a much-anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, old images of the two leaders have resurfaced online.The photographs, taken in Moscow in 2001, show Modi — then the Chief Minister of Gujarat — accompanying then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during an official visit. The visuals, captured during a document-signing ceremony, had first gone viral last year when Modi travelled to Russia, and have reappeared on social media ahead of Putin’s India visit. PM Modi, Putin’s Legendary Bond: Hugs, Horses And High Diplomacy Ahead Of The Russian Leader’s VisitModi had later recalled how Putin received him warmly despite his state-level position, engaging in candid discussions on states, hobbies, and global affairs. During the 2001 trip, he signed a protocol agreement between Gujarat and Russia’s Astrakhan region to boost cooperation in petrochemicals, hydrocarbons, trade, science and technology, education, tourism, and culture. He also visited Moscow’s ISKCON temple to offer prayers on Vajpayee’s behalf due to the latter’s health condition, spending considerable time with devotees. The visit marked Modi’s first international engagement as chief minister and his early diplomatic interaction with Putin.Modi returned to Astrakhan in 2006 to extend the pact for another five years with Governor Alexander Zhilkin, strengthening Gujarat–Russia ties in energy and trade. These subnational initiatives later fed into wider bilateral cooperation in defence, energy, and commerce during Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister. Modi has often reminisced about the 2001 meeting, including receiving a framed photograph from the ISKCON visit as a surprise gift during his 2024 interaction in Moscow.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Not Handcuffed, But Mistreated’: Jaishankar Replies To SP MP On Harjit Kaur’s Deportation From US’Modi Ji Doesn’t…’: Rahul Gandhi Accuses Govt Of Blocking Meet With Putin, Calls It ‘Insecurity’India Can’t Buy S-500 Yet, Deal Unlikely During Modi-Putin Meet: Ex-DRDO Scientist Reveals Roadblock’Very Significant…Whole World Watching’: Russian MLA On Putin’s Delhi Visit, India-Russia TiesIndiGo Crisis: Inside Pilot Shortage, Rule Change and Winter Delays Behind Over 200 CancellationsDonald Trump’s Stricter H-1B Visa Rule Hits Indian Talent, Background Check Screening ExpandedPriyanka Gandhi Slams Modi Govt On Rupee Crash While Piyush Goyal Defends India’s Economic Strength’Munir Is A Mentally Unstable Man’: Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan Blames Army Chief of Fueling TerrorismPM Modi, Putin’s Legendary Bond: Hugs, Horses And High Diplomacy Ahead Of The Russian Leader’s VisitExclusive! Akshata Murty explains why young India needs to fall in love with history again123PhotostoriesFrom stronger lungs to better immunity: What happens to the body when a person quits smokingSamantha Ruth Prabhu to Nayanthara: 5 celebrity brides who embraced traditional red sarees over grand lehengas for their big day6 daily choices that turn ordinary days into lucky onesRekha, romance dramas and period pieces; Roles that sealed her legacy as an evergreen leading lady5 powerful and influential dynasties in historyIndiGo Flight Chaos Across India: Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru Worst Hit; 180+ Services CancelledFull Moon Love Affirmations For Each Zodiac SignBeware: Eating these ‘healthy’ fruits could spike pesticide levels in your bodyHow many eggs should one safely eat in a day to get maximum proteinVirat Kohli’s inspirational quotes for every child who dreams of becoming an athlete123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingStephen Curry WifeMike TysonLuka DoncicCardi BTravis KelceStephen CurryKyle TuckerJayden DanielsSuper Bowl LX Halftime ShowMolly Qerim
NEW DELHI: As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to visit India for a much-anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, old images of the two leaders have resurfaced online.
The photographs, taken in Moscow in 2001, show Modi — then the Chief Minister of Gujarat — accompanying then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during an official visit. The visuals, captured during a document-signing ceremony, had first gone viral last year when Modi travelled to Russia, and have reappeared on social media ahead of Putin’s India visit.
Modi had later recalled how Putin received him warmly despite his state-level position, engaging in candid discussions on states, hobbies, and global affairs. During the 2001 trip, he signed a protocol agreement between Gujarat and Russia’s Astrakhan region to boost cooperation in petrochemicals, hydrocarbons, trade, science and technology, education, tourism, and culture. He also visited Moscow’s ISKCON temple to offer prayers on Vajpayee’s behalf due to the latter’s health condition, spending considerable time with devotees. The visit marked Modi’s first international engagement as chief minister and his early diplomatic interaction with Putin.Modi returned to Astrakhan in 2006 to extend the pact for another five years with Governor Alexander Zhilkin, strengthening Gujarat–Russia ties in energy and trade. These subnational initiatives later fed into wider bilateral cooperation in defence, energy, and commerce during Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister. Modi has often reminisced about the 2001 meeting, including receiving a framed photograph from the ISKCON visit as a surprise gift during his 2024 interaction in Moscow.
