New Delhi, July 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday during which he reiterated India’s longstanding position on the Ukraine situation, favouring dialogue and diplomacy.
During their telephonic conversation, the two leaders also discussed global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
The two leaders reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Putin’s visit to India in December 2021, In particular, they exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further, it said.
The two leaders also discussed global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets.
“In the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated India’s long-standing position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy,” the PMO said.
The leaders agreed to maintain regular consultations on global and bilateral issues, it said.
Russia’s TASS new agency quoted Kremlin press as saying that the two leaders discussed pressing issues pertaining to Russian-India ties, while focusing on steps to develop further mutually advantageous economic cooperation.
They expressed mutual willingness to enhance the privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India, the Kremlin press service was quoted as saying in a statement.
It also said that Putin discussed with Modi the progress of the “special military operation” in Ukraine and, in particular, drew attention to the “escalation of the crisis by Kiev and its Western patrons”.
Putin briefed Modi on key aspects of Russia’s military operation, “stressing the dangerous and provocative nature of the line of the Kyiv regime and its Western patrons to escalate the crisis and derail efforts to resolve it politically and diplomatically”, the Russian statement said.
It also said that Putin stressed that Russia has been and remains a reliable producer and supplier of grain, fertilizers, and energy carriers, including to Indian partners. (PTI)
