Valdimir Putin spoke with Prime Minister Modi to wish him on his birthday and discuss the India-Russia bilateral relationship

Indicating clearly about his love for India and personal chemistry that he shares with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday made a telephone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed his greetings to him on his 70th birthday. Prime Minister Modi expressed his warm appreciation for the gesture.

During the talks, 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 Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Prime 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 forthcoming SCO and BRICS Summit later this year, as well as the Council of SCO Heads of Government to be hosted by India.

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

Since July, this is the second time the two leaders had spoken with each other.