Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on his state visit to the US last week, Kremlin said in a statement after a telephone call between the two leaders on Friday.
"At the initiative of the Indian side, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the statement reads.
“The conversation was meaningful and constructive. The leaders reaffirmed their mutual intention to strengthen the especially privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and agreed on further contacts,” the statement underlines.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed “support” for and “understanding” of the Russian leadership’s actions in tackling PMC Wagner boss Yevegny Prigozhin’s armed mutiny attempt on June 24.
Modi noted that the “decisive actions” of the Russian leadership were meant to protect law and order, ensure stability and security of the citizens, the statement reads.
The two leaders also agreed on the need for “consistent implementation of large joint projects” across various sectors.
They noted with “satisfaction” the trade turnover in the first quarter of ongoing fiscal, in line with the trajectory last year.
India-Russia bilateral trade hit a record high of $35 billion last year, largely driven by a surge in Russian crude exports to New Delhi. Moscow now ranks as New Delhi’s biggest source of crude.
Further, Putin and Modi also discussed the engagements between the two countries at various multilateral for a such as Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), G-20 and BRICS.
New Delhi holds the presidency of SCO and G-20 this year.
Ukraine Discussed During Putin-Modi Call
The two leaders also discussed the ongoint status of Moscow’s special military operation in Ukraine, the statement noted.
Putin squarely blamed Kiev for its “categorical refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to resolve the conflict”, the Kremlin said.