PM Modi and Putin discuss Ukraine, energy and defence during phone call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed in detail several aspects of India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership during their telephone conversation on Friday afternoon.  

Following up on their meeting in Samarkand on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in September, the two leaders reviewed several aspects of the bilateral relationship, including energy cooperation, trade and investments, defence and security cooperation, and other key areas.

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, PM Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way forward.

“At the request of Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin gave fundamental assessments of Russia’s line on the Ukrainian direction,” said a statement from the Russian side.

Both leaders also underscored the importance of continuing close coordination within the framework of international organisations with PM Modi briefing President Putin on India’s ongoing Presidency of the G-20, highlighting its key priorities.

“He also looked forward to both countries working together during India’s Chairship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The leaders agreed to remain in regular touch with each other,” said a statement from the PMO.

Moscow had earlier dismissed certain media reports that suggested that the annual in-person summit between the two leaders this year will not be happening due to New Delhi’s unhappiness over ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“Daily, some media produce fake stories that are designed to make your blood run cold. The Western agencies leads the flock of fake,” the Russian Embassy in New Delhi had said reacting to a report which said that PM Modi is skipping the annual meeting with Putin over Ukraine nuke threats.

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