New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 1, during which he reiterated India’s long-standing position on the Ukraine situation, favouring dialogue and diplomacy.
Moscow, meanwhile said in its readout that the two leaders “noted with satisfaction” the “significant increase” in the volume of bilateral trade, including mutual deliveries of agricultural products.
The two leaders reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Putin’s visit to India in December 2021, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
In particular, they exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further, it said.
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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.
Moscow said that the two leaders “expressed mutual intention for the comprehensive strengthening of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India”.
At the request of Prime Minister Modi, Putin briefed him on Russia’s “special military operation” and emphasised “the dangerous and provocative nature of the line of the Kyiv regime and its Western patrons aimed at escalating the crisis and disrupt efforts to resolve it politically and diplomatically”.
Despite sanctions imposed against it, Russia “remains a reliable producer and supplier of grain, fertilizers and energy carriers, including to the Indian partners”, Moscow said.
Putin and Modi agreed to continue personal contacts, as well as interaction at other levels, the statement said.
(With PTI inputs)
