Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin to wish him a happy 73rd birthday. PM Modi expressed hopes for Putin’s good health and continued success.
Expectedly, what followed was more than pleasantries.
The two leaders took stock of the growing momentum in India-Russia ties, claimed reports. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
According to reports, PM Modi said he looked forward to hosting Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year.
The summit, expected around December 5, is likely to deliver major outcomes and further cement the strategic partnership.
Details of the visit are still being worked out. It’s unclear if Putin will be in India for a single day or two.
Before his arrival, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit India next month to finalise the agenda and logistics.
The two countries are also expected to hold talks under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).
Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021. PM Modi travelled to Moscow in July last year for the summit.
The annual summit is part of a longstanding tradition, with the leaders meeting every year in alternate capitals. So far, 22 such meetings have taken place.
Russia remains a trusted partner and a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.
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