Moscow/New Delhi, July 8 (Reporter) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening was accorded a warm welcome by Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrived for a private dinner at his Novo- Ogaryovo state residence on the outskirts of Moscow. The two leaders shook hands warmly and exchanged a friendly close embrace before they sat down for informal talks ahead of the dinner. PM Modi in a post on X thanked President Putin for hosting him at Novo-Ogaryovo, and said he is looking forward to their formal summit talks on Tuesday, which would help to strengthen their bilateral ties. “Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “A meeting of two close friends and trusted partners. “PM @narendramodi welcomed by President Vladimir Putin of Russia at his official residence at Novo-Ogaryovo for a private engagement. “An occasion for the two leaders to cherish & celebrate India-Russia friendship.” A Russian-Hindi translator, translating President Putin’s welcoming words in Hindi, said: “Honourable PM, my good friend, a very warm welcome. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Russia. While formal talks will take place tomorrow, we can hold informal talks today about the same topics in the atmosphere of my home...////...