PM Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin discuss boosting strategic partnership at next annual summit

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed steps to boost their strategic partnership at the next annual summit to be held in India at a mutually convenient date.

Putin had not only sent a written message but telephoned Modi to extend greetings on the occasion of 70th birthday of the Indian PM. It is learnt that Modi expressed his warm appreciation for the gesture showed by Putin.

Modi thanked Putin for his personal commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with India, and said that he looked forward to welcoming the Russian President in India for the next bilateral summit at a mutually convenient date, according to an official statement.

Both leaders reiterated their strong commitment to further strengthen the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between India and Russia, and expressed appreciation for the continued momentum in bilateral interactions despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this context, they referred to the recent productive visits to Moscow by Raksha Mantri and External Affairs Minister.

Modi thanked President Putin for the successful Russian Chairmanship of the SCO and BRICS this year. He conveyed his eagerness to participate in the forrthcoming SCO and BRICS Summit later this year, as well as the Council of SCO Heads of Government to be hosted by India.

India and Russia are steadily expanding their strategic partnership to include maritime domain, Information Technology, agriculture and coking coal while continuing to focus on defence, nuclear energy, fossil fuels and space.