Modi, Putin discuss post-COVID world, stress on closer ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (July 2) stressed on the importance of closer ties between the two countries for jointly addressing challenges of the post-COVID world. This came a day after Putin secured enough votes to stay in power until 2036.

An official statement said that the leaders took note of the effective measures undertaken by the two countries to address the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed on the importance of closer India-Russia ties for jointly addressing the challenges of the post-COVID world.

During their telephonic conversation, the two leaders agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral contacts and consultations, leading to the annual bilateral summit that’ll be held in India later this year. Modi also conveyed his keenness to welcome Putin in India for the bilateral summit.

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Putin thanked Modi for the phone call and reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries in all spheres. India and Russia had last met for a virtual conference of the RIC trilateral along with China last month.

During their conversation, PM Modi also congratulated Putin on the success of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, and for the successful completion of the vote on constitutional amendments in Russia, the official statement said.

The prime minister noted the participation of an Indian contingent in the military parade, held in Moscow on 24 June, 2020, as a symbol of abiding friendship between the people of the two countries.

The conversation took place after a week-long balloting that concluded on Wednesday, in which almost 78 per cent of the Russian voters approved amendments to the Constitution of the country that will now allow Putin to stay in power until 2036. However, Putin’s critics alleged that polling was rigged.

(With inputs from agencies)