PM Modi speaks with Putin; reiterates India's position on Ukraine, favouring dialogue, diplomacy

“Putin drew attention to the systemic mistakes made by a number of countries, which led to the disruption of free trade in food products and provoked a significant increase in their price.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday during which he reiterated India's longstanding position on the Ukraine situation, favouring dialogue and diplomacy.

During their telephonic conversation, the two leaders also discussed global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

The two leaders reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Putin's visit to India in December 2021, In particular, they exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further, it said.

The two leaders also discussed global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets.

"In the context of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated India's long-standing position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy," the PMO said.

The leaders agreed to maintain regular consultations on global and bilateral issues, it said.

Russia's TASS new agency quoted Kremlin press as saying that the two leaders discussed pressing issues pertaining to Russian-India ties, while focusing on steps to develop further mutually advantageous economic cooperation.