India and Russia expressed their commitment to strengthen their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in all spheres.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held telephonic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, this was the first conversation between the two leaders since tension erupted between India and China on the Line of Actual Control.

As per a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders took note of the effective measures undertaken by the two countries to address the negative consequences of the Covid-19 global pandemic and agreed on the importance of closer India-Russia ties for jointly addressing the challenges of the post-COVID world.

During the talks, Prime Minister warmly congratulated President Putin on the success of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, and also for successful completion of the vote on constitutional amendments in Russia, said the press note issued by the MEA.

It added that the Prime Minister recalled the participation of an Indian contingent in the military parade held in Moscow on June 24, as a symbol of abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Russia.

“They agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral contacts and consultations, leading to the annual bilateral Summit to be held in India later this year,” the MEA said, adding that Prime Minister conveyed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India for the bilateral Summit.

The MEA said President Putin thanked the Prime Minister for the phone call and reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in all spheres.