PM Modi and Vladimir Putin discuss S-400, strategic ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with President Vladimir Putin after the “successful completion of the vote on constitutional amendments in Russia”. Modi was the first world leader to speak to Putin after the vote, which would allow him to extend his rule until 2036, ET has learnt.
The two leaders, according to sources, discussed supplies of key defence platforms, including S-400. The dialogue follows defence minister Rajnath Singh’s recent Moscow visit, which saw India requesting Russia for early supply of military equipment amid standoff with China along the LAC.

ET had reported that during Singh’s visit Russia had agreed to consider early supply of S-400. Russia had postponed the delivery to December 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Russia has assured India on critical military supplies.

According to a statement released by the MEA: “The 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.”

“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.”

The leaders took note of the effective measures undertaken by the two countries to address the negative consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and agreed on the importance of closer India-Russia ties for jointly addressing the challenges of the post-Covid world, the MEA said.

“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 PM conveyed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India for the bilateral summit,” according to the statement. “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,” the statement noted.

Russia has emerged as a key point of contact amidst the tension with China along the LAC.