PM Modi greets Putin on birthday, reviews India-Russia partnership

The PMO said that the two leaders reviewed the progress in the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the "special and privileged strategic partnership"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend birthday greetings and review India-Russia bilateral ties.

 

"PM warmly congratulated President Putin on his 73rd birthday and conveyed best wishes for good health and success in all his endeavours," the prime minister's office (PMO) said.

 

It added that the two leaders reviewed the progress in the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between New Delhi and Moscow.

 

PM Modi added that he looks forward to welcoming Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which is scheduled to take place later this year. 

This follows President Putin’s recent directive to his cabinet to explore measures addressing India’s concerns over the trade imbalance between the two countries. He urged the reduction of trade barriers to facilitate the import of Indian pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, and called for greater engagement with Indian private firms.

 

The cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow gains significance against the backdrop of losses India faces due to the United States' tariffs, including a 25 per cent punitive duty for importing Russian oil. 

On these tariffs on India, Putin also said, “(India) will never allow itself to be humiliated by anyone. I know Prime Minister Modi, he will also not make any such decisions".

 

PM Modi and President Putin also met last month on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.