What Did PM Modi Discuss with His 'Friend' Putin?

New Delhi/Moscow, Aug 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a "very good and detailed conversation" with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The discussion not only emphasized the commitment to strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership but also included extensive dialogues regarding the situation in Ukraine.

“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I expressed my gratitude for sharing the latest updates on Ukraine. We also assessed the progress of our bilateral agenda, reaffirming our commitment to deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I eagerly await hosting President Putin in India later this year,” PM Modi shared on X following the call.

In expressing gratitude to President Putin for his comprehensive evaluation, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s steadfast stance on the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

The conversation occurred less than 24 hours after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with the Russian President at the Kremlin on Thursday evening.

This significant dialogue followed the announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump about imposing additional tariffs on India for importing oil from Russia.

Labeling the action as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable", India clarified that its imports are influenced by market conditions and aim to secure the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens.

From Russia's side, the meeting included Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Sergei Shoigu and Aide to the President of Russia Yuri Ushakov. India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, also participated alongside NSA Doval.

Plans for President Putin's visit to India for the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit reflect the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders.

“Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn,” noted Kremlin aide Ushakov.

The last visit from the Russian President to India occurred on December 6, 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.

PM Modi also made two significant visits to Russia last year, attending the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and participating in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned that the political dialogue between India and Russia is "developing dynamically" amid shared perspectives on the emerging multipolar world order, indicating preparations for President Putin's forthcoming visit to India.

“The relationship between our nations has a rich history and has repeatedly proven its resilience. Currently, Russia and India are fostering equal cooperation rooted in sincere mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests,” Lavrov stated at the inaugural international conference 'Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations', which was also addressed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in March.

“The contribution of our leaders to this process is invaluable. It is significant that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first bilateral foreign visit after his re-election last year to Russia. Now, it is our turn. President Putin has accepted the invitation to visit India,” he added.

In June, the Russian President conveyed his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi regarding the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad.

“Please accept my deepest condolences for the tragic consequences of the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey my sincere sympathy and support to the victims' families and best wishes for a swift recovery to the injured,” Putin expressed.

In May, President Putin also reached out to PM Modi, firmly denouncing the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, offering "full support" to India in its battle against terrorism.

A statement from the Kremlin indicated that Putin extended heartfelt condolences to PM Modi over the loss of Indian lives due to the heinous terrorist attack on April 22, emphasizing the necessity for an "uncompromising fight" against terrorism in every form.

"The strategic nature of the Russian-Indian relations as a special privileged partnership was underscored during the dialogue. These relationships remain unaffected by external influences and continue to evolve dynamically across all sectors," read the statement from the Russian President's office.

"The Indian leader reiterated his invitation for President Putin to visit India for the annual bilateral summit, which was graciously accepted," the statement concluded.

While PM Modi was invited by Putin to participate in the Victory Day celebrations, he unfortunately could not travel to Russia.

The Russian President had previously expressed his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi regarding the tragic outcomes of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.