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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday held comprehensive dialogue – less than three days after the G7 summit – and discussed protracted Ukraine war, reviewed implementation of the 2021 Annual Summit outcomes including in the field of defence, and exchanged ideas on ways to boost trade in agriculture, fertiliser and pharma products.
They discussed the state of international energy and food markets, officials said. On Ukraine, the PM reiterated India‘s long-standing position favouring dialogue and diplomacy. The leaders agreed to maintain regular consultations on global and bilateral issues.
“The two leaders reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Putin’s visit to India in December 2021. In particular, they exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilisers and pharma products could be encouraged further,” according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. It may be recalled that a 10-year defence agreement plan was signed during Putin’s December 2021 visit.
Putin informed Modi that Russia has been and remains a reliable producer and supplier of grain, fertilisers and energy to India, ET has learnt.
The telephonic conversation signals India’s balanced approach on the Ukraine war and personal chemistry between the two leaders, as per sources. The talks happened in the backdrop of India ramping up energy, gas, coal and fertiliser imports from Russia. The two sides are putting in place a mechanism to trade in national currencies amid sweeping sanctions on Russia.
The decision to hold this telephone conversation was taken during last week’s BRICS summit.
“The leaders discussed in detail topical issues of the Russian-Indian relations, paying special attention to the further development of mutually beneficial ties in the economic sphere. A significant increase in the volume of bilateral trade, including mutual deliveries of agricultural products, was noted with satisfaction,” according to a Russian government statement.
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