Minister Sarbananda Sonowal leaves for Russia to attend the Eastern Economic Forum meeting; Putin will address the meeting

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will visit Russia this week, along with an Indian delegation. During this visit, Sonowal will participate in the '8th Eastern Economic Forum' meeting held in the eastern city of Vladivostok in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be present to address this meeting.

Official sources said Sonowal left for Moscow via Vladivostok on Monday (September 11) morning. Sonowal will interact with business leaders and foreign partners during his three-day stay.

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is leading a delegation of senior officials from various central ministries and departments. Delegations from China, Laos, Mongolia, and ASEAN countries are also participating in the meeting to be held in the Russian city from September 10 to 13. According to a statement issued by the Kremlin, Putin will be in Vladivostok on September 11-12 to participate in the 8th Eastern Economic Forum.

On September 12, the Russian President will deliver a speech at the plenary session, which will also be attended by Lao People's Democratic Republic Vice President Penny Yathotou, the statement said. The statement further said that apart from the forum, Putin will also hold several bilateral meetings with heads of foreign delegations. However, it has not been said whether Sonowal will meet Putin or not.

Sources said Russia has shown interest in India's presence at the Vladivostok port. Russia is keen to give further impetus to the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor, which could give a huge boost to maritime ties. Vladivostok is the largest Russian port on the Pacific Ocean and is located about 50 km from the China-Russia border.

The Eastern Economic Forum was established in 2015 by a decree of the Russian President to support the economic development of the Russian Far East and expand international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.