In call, PM, Putin affirm ties, discuss Ukraine peace path

India stands ready to make all possible contributions for peacefully resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, a day after efforts to end the war figured in Modi's phone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Putin dialled Modi to wish him on his 75th birthday, marking the third phone call between the two leaders since early August. Besides the situation in Ukraine, the two leaders reviewed India-Russia relations.

“Thank you, my friend, President Putin, for your phone call and warm wishes on my 75th birthday. We are committed to further strengthening our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India is ready to make all possible contributions towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” Modi said on social media.

In a message to Modi, Putin said the PM is making a great contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Russia and the two sides will continue their constructive dialogue and joint work on bilateral, regional and global issues.