PM Modi Speaks With Russian President Putin; Ukraine Situation, State Of International Energy And Food Markets Discussed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (1 July) spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed various issues including the Ukraine situation and state of International energy and food markets.

During their telephone conversation, the two leaders reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Putin's visit to India in December 2021, a PMO statement said.

In particular, they exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further, it said.

The leaders also discussed global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets.

In the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, PM Modi reiterated India's long-standing position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy.

A Russian government statement on the telephonic conversation said that Putin gave an update to PM Modi on the key aspects of "Russia’s ongoing special military operation and underscored the dangerous and provocative nature of the approach of the Kiev regime and its Western patrons to escalate the crisis and torpedo efforts to resolve it by political and diplomatic methods".

Putin also noted that "Russia had been and remained a reliable producer and supplier of grain crops, fertiliser and energy carriers to Indian partners, among others", according to the Russian government statement.

The two leaders also agreed to maintain regular consultations on global and bilateral issues.