New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin today had a telephonic conversation during which they exchanged views on regional and global issues, against the backdrop of persisting US-Iran tensions.
The two leaders “underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and Russia for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability”, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
During the conversation, Modi recalled that the Russian Federation celebrated Christmas recently as per the tradition in that country and conveyed season’s greetings to President Putin and to people of Russia.
Putin warmly reciprocated the greetings and wished Modi and the people of India prosperity, progress, peace and happiness, it said.
The two leaders expressed happiness at the significant landmarks the Special Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries had covered in the recent past, particularly in the year 2019.
They agreed to continue consulting closely and working assiduously to further strengthen India-Russia ties in all spheres the year 2020.
Modi stressed that the year 2020 would be of special significance for Russia, and recalled with gratitude Putin’s invitation to him to participate in the 75th Victory Day Celebration in Moscow in May this year.
The Prime Minister stated that he looked forward also to participating in the Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries in Russia this year, and welcoming Putin in India for the 21st bilateral Annual Summit.
