Afghan situation: Modi, Putin decide to remain in touch

New Delhi: Prime Minister NarendraModi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday discussed the unfolding situation in Afghanistan and said it was important for the two sides to work together.

They directed their senior officials to remain in touch.

During a phone call, the two leaders agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, in particular, the situation in Afghanistan.

An official statement said the two leaders discussed the unfolding situation in Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world. They expressed the view that it was important for the two strategic partners to work together and instructed their senior officials to remain in touch.

The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the progress in the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between both countries despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

The leaders appreciated the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fight against the Covid pandemic, especially in the supply and production of ‘Sputnik V’ vaccine, it said.

The leaders also touched upon the forthcoming multilateral engagements, including the BRICS Summit, meeting of the Council of SCO Heads of State, and India’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum being hosted by Russia.

Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to President Putin’s visit to India for the next Bilateral Summit. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch on bilateral and global issues, in particular, the situation in Afghanistan.

Modi, in a tweet, said he had held 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.”

The Kremlin, in a statement, said while exchanging opinions on Afghanistan, the parties noted the importance of concerted efforts, which would help establish peace and stability in the country and ensure security in the region in general.

“They expressed their determination to increase cooperation in opposing the spread of terrorist ideology and the drugs threat emanating from Afghan territory. They agreed to establish a two-way channel for permanent consultations on this issue.”

The two leaders also touched on a number of aspects concerning the further development of Russian-Indian special privileged partnership relations, in trade and the economy among other areas.

Modi conveyed his gratitude to Putin for the assistance provided in combating the spread of the Corona virus, including supplies of Russian vaccines and their production in India as well as the delivery of necessary medicines and medical equipment, the Kremlin said.

They discussed the schedule of future contacts at various levels. (UNI)

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