Prime Minister Narendra Modi today had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which he stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict.
“Following up on their meeting in Samarkand on the sidelines of the SCO Summit (in September), the two leaders reviewed several aspects of the bilateral relationship, including energy cooperation, trade and investments, defence and security cooperation, and other key areas,” an official statement said.
The PM briefed the Russian leader on India’s ongoing Presidency of the G-20, highlighting its key priorities. He also said that he looked forward to India and Russia working together during India’s chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The two leaders agreed to remain in regular touch with each other.
The telephonic conversation between the two leaders came days after it was announced that they would not be meeting in person this month for the annual India-Russia Annual Summit. The busy schedule of both leaders was cited as the reason for the summit not taking place.