NEW DELHI, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on May 21 for an "informal summit" with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the city of Sochi, a statement issued by India's external affairs ministry said Monday.

Modi will be visiting Russia at the invitation of Putin, said the statement.

"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. Both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters," added the statement.

It said the "informal summit" is in "keeping with the tradition of regular consultations" between India and Russia at the highest levels.