Indian PM to visit Russia, China next week

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will embark on a visit to Russia and China next week. The prime minister will visit Moscow from Oct. 20 to 22 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the 14th India-Russia Annual Summit, the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a statement Wednesday. The two leaders are expected to hold talks on the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. After his Russia visit, Singh will arrive in China on a three- day trip, at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang, the ministry said. The two leaders will discuss bilateral issues during their meeting in Beijing. During his China visit, the Indian Prime Minister will also meet President Xi Jinping and National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang.