Putin thanks Modi for his personal attention to Russian-Indian relations

BISHKEK. Aug 31 (Interfax) - The efforts of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi have played a major role in making Russian-Indian relations stronger, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"I am pleased to note that Russian-Indian relations continue to strengthen based on the principles of their special and privileged strategic partnership. Your personal attention to the development of Russian-Indian relations, and our relations, not only business-like but also very cordial, personal and friendly relations, contribute to that. I am very grateful to you for that," Putin said at talks with Modi in Bishkek on Monday.

The meeting with Modi takes place on the eve of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), "an organization that aims to deepen the situation and contacts between countries of the Global South, the East, to facilitate the socioeconomic development, the cultural development of the region, the formation of a just and multipolar world," he said.

Putin said he received a message from Modi during a recent meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

"I fully share everything mentioned there," he said.

In 2027, Russia and India will mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, Putin said, adding that he is making serious preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi in September.

"We closely coordinate our efforts in the UN, BRICS, the G20, and in the SCO. And we have a very good opportunity today to compare notes and outline further steps forward in advancing Russian-Indian relations," Putin said.