President Vladimir Putin of Russia held a significant telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and strengthening bilateral relations. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi shared insights from his recent visit to Kiev, underscoring India’s steadfast commitment to fostering a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic channels. Modi expressed India’s continued dedication to playing a constructive role in seeking an end to the conflict, advocating for dialogue and negotiation as the best means to achieve stability in the region.

President Putin, in turn, provided a detailed account of Russia’s perspective on the situation, criticising the actions of the Kiev authorities and their Western allies. He reiterated Russia’s stance on the conflict, outlining the principles that guide Moscow’s approach to resolving the crisis. Putin emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict and stressed the need for a balanced solution that respects the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved. Beyond the discussion on Ukraine, the two leaders reviewed the progress of trade and economic agreements made during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Russia in July 2024. Both expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of these agreements, which are seen as pivotal in bolstering the strategic partnership between India and Russia.

The conversation also touched on the upcoming Kazan Summit, scheduled for October 2024, under Russia’s BRICS chairmanship. Prime Minister Modi confirmed his intention to attend the summit, reaffirming India’s active role in the BRICS framework and the importance of this multilateral platform in addressing global challenges. President Putin and Prime Minister Modi concluded their conversation with a mutual commitment to maintaining regular contact at various levels, underscoring the strength and resilience of the India-Russia relationship.