Modi and Putin Vow Further Cooperation Between India and Russia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have vowed further cooperation between the two nations during the bilateral talks.

Following the meeting on Tuesday, both leaders said that India and Russia share relations of privileged strategic partnership and are linked by friendship.

"Our countries have a very long-standing friendship, good relations that have been established for decades, and this year we celebrate 77 years of establishing diplomatic relations," Putin said. "Today our relations have the character of a special privileged strategic partnership."

He added that the two states are constantly in contact and Russia pays special attention to the development of trade and economic relations, mentioning that bilateral commerce between the states increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2024.

In this light, Russian President invited the Indian leader to the BRICS Summit to be held in Kazan in October this year.

Further, citing a wide range of issues discussed during the informal meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday, Putin thanked Modi for his efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Ukrainian conflict.

In turn, Indian leader told Putin that India is ready to provide all assistance possible, stressing that a peace agreement to end the Ukraine conflict should be reached as soon as possible.

"As a friend, I have always said that for the bright future of our coming generations, peace is of utmost importance," Modi said. "But I also know that solutions are not possible on battlegrounds. Amid bombs, guns and bullets, solutions and peace talks do not succeed. We will have to follow the path to peace only through talks."

Meanwhile, conveying his condolences on the terror attacks in Dagestan and Crocus City Hall, Modi said that India had faced terrorism for the last half century years, therefore he is acknowledged of the pain brought by inhuman acts, which he strongly condemned.

Highlighting the strong and long-standing relations between the two nations and with Putin himself, Indian prime minister said that assured that the upcoming terms would only strengthen the two partners' ties further.

The Indian PM underscored Russia's role in energy supplies during the past years, noting that the country's support helped India meet the needs of its people in petrol and diesel.

"The world should accept that India-Russia agreement regarding fuel played a big role in bringing stability to the international market," Modi emphasised.

Moreover, he added that due to the friendship and cooperation between the strategic partners, Indian farmers had not faced shortages, when world was facing a food, fuel and fertiliser crisis.

In the meantime, both Putin and Modi exchanged mutual congratulations on the elections held in India and Russia the results of which brought the leaders back to power.

Indo-Russian Relations

Russia is Partner in Pain and Gain: PM Modi in Moscow

9 July, 12:31

Modi Wraps Up Russia Visit with High Enthusiasm