Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, extending a formal invitation for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit to be held later this year.
The dialogue underscored India’s consistent call for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, while also reviewing bilateral progress and reaffirming the nations’ Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
President Putin briefed PM Modi on the latest developments in Ukraine. In response, PM Modi reiterated India’s principled stance favouring diplomacy and dialogue. The leaders also discussed key areas of cooperation, including defence, energy, and trade.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had met President Putin a day earlier, signalling high-level engagement ahead of the summit. “We value this long-standing relationship. The dates for President Putin’s visit are nearly finalised,” Doval stated.
The summit is expected to further bolster strategic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.