Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took the nation by surprise during his two-day visit at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Russia. During a photo shoot session, PM Modi declined a comfortable sofa kept specially for him and instead asked for a simple chair to sit with others. The PM visited Russia for two primary reasons - firstly, to participate as the chief guest at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum and secondly, to hold the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit along President Vladimir Putin.

'PM Modi's simplicity'

Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, posted a video on his twitter handle saying that Modi was seen opting for the chair over the sofa. In the video, the officials are seen replacing the comfortable sofa with a simple chair and as he took his place for the picture. “PM Narendra Modi’s simplicity was seen again today as he got the special arrangement for him removed and chose to sit on a chair along with others in Russia,” Goyal tweeted.

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Modi addresses the Eastern Economic Forum

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Adding to his statements, Modi said that Putin invited him as the chief guest for the Eastern Economic Forum two years ago and further said that “ From the frontier of Europe to the Gateway of Pacific, it is like a Trans-Siberian journey for me”. Modi further extolled President Putin's vision for the Far-East and praised its growth in Human Development, especially in the fields of Education, Sports, and that people's innovation that have overcome the challenges of nature. PM Modi also announced a line of credit worth the US $1 Billion for the development of the Far-East. "I firmly believe that today's announcement will add a new dimension to the economic diplomacy of the two countries," Modi said.

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PM Modi meets with leaders of friendly nations on the sidelines of EEF

Prime Minister Modi met leaders of nations, such as Japan, Malaysia, and Mongolia on the sidelines of EEF. Prime Minister Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s discussion included the deepening of multi-faceted ties in economic, defense and security, start-up and 5G areas. PM Modi also discussed the issue of terrorism and the matter of controversial preacher Zakir Naik's extradition with the Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohammad. The Mongolian President discussed his likely visit to India and developing partnership and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

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