Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in Moscow this evening on the first leg of his visit to Russia and China.

Earlier in his departure statement in New Delhi, Dr. Singh said his visit to Russia and China will create new strategic opportunities for the country’s growth, prosperity and development in a stable and external environment.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said the annual summit with Russia is an important feature of special and privileged strategic partnership between both the countries. He said the scope for India’s relations with Russia is unique, encompassing, strong and growing cooperation in areas including defence, nuclear energy, science and technology, hydro-carbons, trade, investment and people to people exchanges.

He said India and Russia have also had a convergence of views on global and regional issues and India values Russia’s perspective on international developments of mutual interest.