NEW DELHI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Russia on Monday morning for an informal summit with President Vladimir Putin in the city of Sochi, confirmed an official in the country's external affairs ministry.

Modi is visiting Russia at the invitation of Putin. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of current bilateral, regional and global issues.

"This will be an important occasion for the two leaders to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective with the objective of further strengthening our special and privileged strategic partnership," the Indian external affairs ministry said in a statement, adding that both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.

It further stated that the "informal summit" between Modi and Putin is in "keeping with the tradition of regular consultations" between India and Russia at the highest levels.