Russian President Putin and PM Modi agree to further boost bilateral strategic ties, discuss Ukraine war
Sandeep Dikshit
New Delhi, June 30
A week after returning from a Summit meeting with US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dialled Russian President Vladimir Putin and informed him on his “international contacts”, including ones during his recent visit to Washington, said a Kremlin readout.
In connection with the events of June 24 (revolt by the Wagner chief) in Russia, PM Modi expressed understanding and support for the decisive actions of the Russian leadership to protect law and order, ensure stability in the country and the security of its citizens.
The conversation came a day after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval spoke to his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev.
The situation around Ukraine was touched upon as well. The Russian President gave his assessment of the current state of affairs in the special military operation zone, having stressed Kiev’s utter refusal to undertake political and diplomatic steps to resolve the conflict, said the Kremlin read out.
“While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy,’’ said the Indian read out.
When discussing topical issues of bilateral cooperation, they underscored the importance of further consistent implementation of the major joint projects in various areas and noted with satisfaction substantial growth in trade throughout 2022 and in the first quarter of this year, said Russia.
They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, said the PM’s Office here.
Particular attention was paid to interaction within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20, in which India currently holds the presidency, as well as in the BRICS format, said Kremlin.
“The conversation was substantive and constructive. The leaders reaffirmed their mutual intention to strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and agreed to maintain contact,’’ said the Kremlin readout.
A day earlier, Putin had praised PM Modi as a “great friend of Russia” and lauded his “Make in India” initiative during an event in Moscow on Thursday.
The Russian President drew on India’s example to encourage domestic products and brands in his own country during his speech. He also highlighted how the initiative had a positive impact on the Indian economy.
“Our friends in India and PM Modi, a great friend of Russia, a few years ago presented a concept’Make in India’. And it had a very visible effect on the Indian economy,” said Putin.
