Putin and Modi agreed on the phone to deepen bilateral relations, discussed Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a “fruitful” phone conversation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership. During this, the Ukraine conflict was also discussed between the two leaders. The telephonic conversation between the two leaders came days ahead of the digital summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will be hosted by India on July 4. A day earlier, Russia’s Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval discussed bilateral relations and the latest security developments in Russia. The External Affairs Ministry said Modi and Putin reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

It said the two leaders agreed to remain in touch and continue efforts to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. Noting that the phone call was made by the Indian side, the Kremlin press service said, “The nature of the conversation was productive and constructive. The leaders reiterated mutual commitment to strengthen the Special Strategic Partnership between Russia and India and agreed to continue contacts. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and noted the importance of continuing joint projects in various fields . He said that trade between Russia and India increased significantly in 2022, and this trend will continue in the first quarter of 2023 as well. The Kremlin said that Russian President Putin informed Modi about Ukraine’s categorical refusal to resolve the conflict through diplomacy.

Russia’s official news agency Tass quoted the Kremlin’s statement from the Russian presidential office as saying, “The two leaders discussed the situation related to Ukraine.” The Russian President referred to the current situation in the Special Military Operations area, which points to Kiev’s clear refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to resolve the conflict. During the discussion on the situation, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the issue. India has not yet condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has been maintaining that the crisis should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. The Kremlin statement also said that Modi spoke to Putin about his recent visit to the US and President Joe. Told about the conversation with Biden. It said, Narendra Modi told him (Putin) about his international contacts, including his recent visit to Washington.

The two leaders also discussed their countries’ cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the G20. Special attention was paid to cooperation within the BRICS format, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the G20-which is chaired by India, the statement said. The Kremlin statement also said that Prime Minister Modi expressed support for the steps taken by the Russian leadership in response to the armed insurgency by the Wagner Group last week. With regard to the events of June 24, Narendra Modi expressed support for the concrete action taken by the Russian authorities to safeguard law and order and ensure stability in the country and the safety of its citizens, it said. Saturday’s rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner group could pose the most serious challenge to President Putin in his more than two decades of rule. This development also raised questions on Putin’s leadership. The Wagner Group had captured the city of Rostov-on-Don. The rebellion ended when Prigozhin ordered his troops advancing towards Moscow to turn back.

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