Modi, Putin Agree On Closer Bilateral Ties To Battle COVID-19 Challenges

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Thursday to discuss bilateral issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exchanging notes on how the two countries had addressed the problems caused by the deadly virus, both leaders acknowledged the importance of closer India-Russia ties for jointly addressing the challenges of the post-COVID world.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs statement, Modi and Putin agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral contacts and consultations, leading to the annual bilateral summit to be held in India later this year.

Modi conveyed he was keen to welcome President Putin in India for the summit.

Putin thanked Modi for the call and reiterated his commitment to strengthen the privileged strategic partnership between the two countries in all spheres.

The conversation was significant in the wake of Indo-China border tensions which has seen both nations claiming sovereignty over certain parts of eastern Ladakh region.