President Putin, PM Modi speak on phone, agree to further develop bilateral strategic partnership

Moscow/New Delhi, Dec 20 (FN Agency) Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on phone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and both leaders expressed their intent to further develop the special privileged strategic partnership between the two countries, the Kremlin press office said. Putin “warmly thanked Narendra Modi for his hospitality rendered to the Russian delegation during a visit paid to New Delhi at the highest level on December 6,” the press office said in a statement. “The sides discussed the practical issues of implementing the agreements reached following the results of the negotiations.

They expressed the resolve to further develop the specially privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India comprehensively,” the statement reads, Tass reported. Both leaders also continued an exchange of opinions on the issues of international stability and security, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The Russian leader and the Indian Prime Minister congratulated each other on the approaching New Year holidays and agreed to step up bilateral contacts in various areas, the Kremlin press office said. President Putin had visited India on December 6 for a very brief visit to attend the annual bilateral summit talks with PM Modi. The two sides also held the inaugural 2+2 dialogue between their foreign and defence ministers that day. At least 28 agreements were inked between the two sides.