Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday had a 45-minute conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which they focused on the Afghanistan situation.
Both the countries agreed on a ‘bilateral channel’ for consultations as the two sides shared assessments and sought to coordinate actions to ensure regional security.
In a tweet, PM Modi said that he had a “detailed and useful” conversation with Vladimir Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. Furthermore, he said that the discussion went through to bilateral agenda including India-Russia cooperation on Covid-19.
Also Read | IAF chief reviews progress of air power projects
Notably, the India-Russia meeting has come on the day when theG7 countries’ leaders met virtually to discuss the Afghanistan situation.
"Had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan. We also discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including India-Russia cooperation against Covid-19. We agreed to continue close consultations on important issues,” PM Modi said in his tweet.
However, Russia’s participation with India in Afghanistan has come with some bad history. In the past, Kremlin has been openly supportive of the Taliban, meanwhile, New Delhi has been questioning its functioning for years.
Also Read | Poster war in Congress party in Kerala intensifies
Both the countries come with different points, so the conclusion of the bilateral engagement remains to be seen.
Russia did put up a statement after Putin’s meet with Modi saying, "During the exchange of views on the situation in Afghanistan, the sides noted the importance of coordinated efforts which would contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in this country, ensuring security in the region as a whole."
The Kremlin in its statement further said that PM Modi expressed his gratitude to Vladimir Putin for assistance in battling the Covid pandemic.
