Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed today over phone global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets.
The telephone conversation between the two leaders was a follow-up to the BRICS Summit last week with PM Modi once again reiterating on Friday India's long-standing position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy in the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
"The two leaders reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Putin's visit to India in December 2021. In particular, they exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.
The Kremlin, in a statement released after the phone call, mentioned that the two leaders discussed in detail the topical issues of Russian-Indian relations, paying special attention to the further development of mutually beneficial ties in the economic sphere.
"A significant increase in the volume of bilateral trade, including mutual deliveries of agricultural products, was noted with satisfaction. A mutual disposition was expressed for the comprehensive strengthening of the especially privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India," the statement mentioned.
Putin also briefed PM Modi on the key aspects of Russia's ongoing 'special military operation' in Ukraine, emphasising the "dangerous and provocative nature of the line of the Kyiv regime and its Western patrons" to escalate the crisis and disrupt efforts to resolve it politically and diplomatically.
The leaders discussed in detail topical issues of #RussiaIndia relations, paying special attention to the further development of mutually beneficial ties in the economic sphere. https://t.co/RRV4ciw2rr
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) July 1, 2022
Discussing the current state of affairs in the global food market, Putin highlighted the "systemic mistakes" made by a number of countries, which led to the disruption of the entire architecture of free trade in food products and provoked a significant increase in their value.
"Illegitimate sanctions against Russia have exacerbated an already difficult situation. The same factors had a negative impact on the global energy market. At the same time, the head of state stressed that Russia has been and remains a reliable producer and supplier of grain, fertilizers and energy carriers, including to Indian partners," said Putin's office.
Both leaders also agreed to continue personal contacts, as well as interaction at other levels.
