Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a warm telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, extending birthday greetings on his 73rd birthday and wishing him good health and success. During the discussion, the two leaders reviewed ongoing progress in bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his anticipation of welcoming President Putin to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, signed in 2000 between then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Putin, which elevated bilateral ties to a new level of cooperation across defense, energy, and trade.

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov highlighted that 2025 has already seen strong engagement between both countries, including the meeting of the two leaders during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

On his part, President Putin praised Prime Minister Modi as a “balanced and wise leader” while reaffirming Russia’s commitment to its long-standing friendship with India. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin defended India’s decision to continue importing Russian crude oil, emphasizing that it was driven by economic logic, not politics.

Putin recalled the historical friendship between India and Russia, noting that the relationship has always been built on mutual respect and trust. Referring to Prime Minister Modi as a “friend,” he said their relationship is based on comfort, confidence, and national interest.

Both nations are now preparing for President Putin’s visit to India later this year, where discussions are expected to further strengthen defense, energy, and strategic cooperation.