Moscow/New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephone dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, extending his heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Putin's 73rd birthday. He expressed his wishes for Putin's continued good health and success in all of his endeavors.

The leaders assessed the advancements in their bilateral agenda and reiterated their commitment to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

PM Modi eagerly anticipates welcoming President Putin to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

India and Russia recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Declaration of Strategic Partnership on October 3.

This pivotal Declaration, signed by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Putin on October 3, 2000, elevated the bilateral relations to a new echelon, characterized by coordinated efforts to ensure international peace and security while addressing significant global and regional challenges, along with collaborative ventures in economic, cultural, educational, and various other fields.

Denis Alipov, the Russian Ambassador to India, noted, "The year 2025 has already been laden with numerous bilateral exchanges and a notably warm engagement between our leaders at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. We are looking forward to the upcoming bilateral summit in New Delhi, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of our strategic partnership being recognized as a ‘special and privileged’ relationship."

On the same day, President Putin expressed strong support for India's decision to maintain its oil trade with Moscow, commending PM Modi's leadership.

At the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin lauded PM Modi as a "balanced and wise leader," emphasizing the unique bond shared by their nations.

He dismissed any political motivations behind India's acquisition of Russian crude oil, clarifying that economic factors are the driving force.

"There is no political aspect here... If India refuses our energy supplies, it will incur certain losses. Some estimates suggest potential losses could be around $9-10 billion. However, if it continues, sanctions will be imposed, leading to similar losses. So why refuse if it also entails domestic political costs?" he articulated.

Putin further expressed confidence in India's resilience and its determination to withstand external pressures, stating, "Naturally, the populace of a nation like India keeps a close watch on the decisions taken by their political leadership and will not tolerate any humiliation. I know PM Modi; he would never take steps of this nature."

Highlighting the enduring diplomatic ties between Russia and India, Putin remarked on the historical connections tracing back to India's independence movement.

"In India, they remember this, they know it, and they value it. We appreciate that India has not forgotten it... We have never encountered any problems or interstate tensions with India. Never," he affirmed.

Referring to PM Modi as a friend, Putin emphasized their trustworthy and comfortable relationship, describing him as a "balanced, wise, and nationally oriented" leader.

Preparations are already underway in New Delhi and Moscow for Putin's anticipated visit to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

PM Modi previously held a bilateral meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit last month, emphasizing that the close cooperation between both nations is crucial for global peace, prosperity, and stability.

During their discussions, PM Modi noted that 1.40 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" for President Putin's visit for the upcoming summit in December.