Moscow/New Delhi, Aug 18 – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, briefing him on his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, where efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict dominated discussions.
During the call, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful settlement. “Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come,” PM Modi posted on X.
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral cooperation, agreeing to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and to remain in close touch.
The Alaska Summit, held at the Arctic Warrior Convention Centre, saw Putin and Trump engaged in over three hours of talks, alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. While both leaders indicated progress in discussions on Ukraine, they stopped short of announcing a ceasefire. “It’s not a done deal at all… Ukraine has to agree. President [Volodymyr] Zelensky has to agree,” Trump later told Fox News.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the Summit, calling the leadership shown by the US and Russia “highly commendable” and reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.
Putin had also briefed PM Modi earlier this month on related developments. Looking ahead, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is set to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Moscow on August 21 for the 26th Intergovernmental Commission meeting, covering trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation.