Russia a time-tested and reliable friend: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reaffirmed India's time-tested ties with Moscow when Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin called on him."Prime Minister Modi described Russia as a time-tested and reliable friend and reaffirmed the shared commitment with President (Vladimir) Putin to expand, strengthen and deepen bilateral engagement across all domains," a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said."He recalled his recent meeting with President Putin in Tashkent in June and via video-link for dedication of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 at the beginning of this month," it stated.On his part, Rozogin conveyed Putin's greetings to Modi and briefed him on the progress in ongoing projects between India and Russia.Modi said that India was eagerly awaiting Putin's visit to India later this year.Earlier Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs had tweeted-