PM Modi speaks to Russia's Putin, congratulates him on constitutional amendments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone and discussed the effective measures undertaken by the two countries to address the negative consequences of the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

Modi congratulated Putin on the success of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in the World War II. India had sent a 75-member Tri-Service contingent to participate in the military parade in Moscow on June 24 which was also attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

The Prime Minister recalled the participation of an Indian contingent in the military parade, as a symbol of abiding friendship between the peoples of India and Russia.

Modi also congratulated Putin for successful completion of the vote on constitutional amendments in Russia. In a week-long plebiscite, Russian voters approved changes to the constitution that will allow Putin to hold on to power until 2036.

In the talks over the phone, 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.

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 Prime Minister conveyed his keenness to welcome President Putin in India for the bilateral summit.

Putin thanked Modi for the phone call and reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries in all spheres.