PM Modi greets Putin on his birthday; reaffirms India-Russia strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to extend warm greetings for his 73rd birthday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, reports 24brussels.

During the call, Modi wished Putin good health and success in his endeavors. The leaders reviewed the progress in their bilateral agenda, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening ties. Modi also expressed his anticipation of welcoming Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December.

This conversation follows a prior exchange on September 27, during which Putin highlighted the resilience of Russian-Indian relations. In a statement to the Russian Government, he noted that these relations are founded on national consensus, praising India’s economic achievements under Modi’s leadership.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India was pursuing a completely independent, sovereign policy and achieving significant economic results,” Putin remarked, referencing India’s rapid economic growth compared to other major economies.

Earlier, Putin had sent a congratulatory telegram to Modi for his 75th birthday, recognizing the Indian leader’s contributions to strengthening the bilateral partnership. He expressed confidence in continuing constructive dialogue on regional and international issues.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Russia has consistently been a reliable partner. The strengthening of India-Russia relations has been central to India’s foreign policy since the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000 during Putin’s visit to India.

Furthermore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Russian Embassy in India confirmed this meeting, noting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

In a subsequent update, Jaishankar conveyed, “Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East.”