PM Modi, Russian President Putin hold telephonic conversation, discuss mutiny and Ukraine war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation, the PMO said in a statement.

This conversation between the two leaders took place a week after Moscow aborted a coup led by private mercenary army Wagner Group’s head Yevgeny Prigozhin.

This development was informed by President Putin to Prime Minister Modi during the telephonic conversation, the PMO said.

The two leaders, according to the PMO, also discussed the situation in Ukraine and PM Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy.

Russia has been in war with Ukraine for more than a year, with the US-led western countries rallying in support of Kyiv.

In a show of support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia, the US has decided to provide Kyiv with a new military package worth up to $500 million.

According to the Pentagon, the package will include ground vehicles including Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker armoured personnel carriers, and munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.

Reuters said the package is being funded using the Presidential Drawdown Authority which authorizes the US President to transfer articles and services from US stocks without congressional approval during an emergency.

As per the PMO, Prime Minister Modi and the Russian President also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and continue to make efforts to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, the PMO added.