PM Narendra Modi Invites Vladimir Putin as India-Russia Ties Face US Heat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he had a telephone conversation today with Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit India later this year for the Annual Bilateral Summit.

“Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.” PM Modi said in a statement on X.

PM Modi and President Putin Discussed Key Issues on a Telephonic Call

The development comes amid ongoing tensions following the imposition of tariffs on India for buying Russian oil.

During their telephone call today, President Putin briefed PM on the latest developments concerning Ukraine, as per a statement by the External Affairs Ministry.

The two leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

Prime Minister invited President Putin to India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Putin had on Thursday received India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval at the Kremlin.

Last Year, PM Modi Visited Russia

Prime Minister Modi had visited Russia last year and he and President Vladimir Putin highly appreciated the special nature of this time-tested relationship, which is based on trust, mutual understanding and strategic convergence.

The two leaders met twice last year. The first meeting was held in Moscow during the 22nd India-Russia summit when PM Modi was awarded Russia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reportedly, the award was given to PM Modi for strengthening India-Russia relations. Both met in October again in Kazan during the BRICS summit.

Russian President’s visit to India comes at an important time, as tensions escalate between India and the United States.

(ANI)

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