Vladimir Putin-Narendra Modi holds telephonic conversation; invites Indian PM to Eastern Eco Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday invited PM Narendra Modi to be the Chief Guest at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September and the two leaders also decided to step up counter-terror partnership.

In a telephonic conversation held on Monday Putin also wished Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections.

"The leaders warmly congratulated each other on the coming New Year. Narendra Modi also expressed his best wishes to the Russian people on the occasion of Christmas. Key issues of the bilateral agenda were discussed. It is noted that the relations of traditional friendship and a particularly privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India continue to develop dynamically," according to a Russian government statement.


"The mutual spirit was confirmed to increase cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and the solution of other pressing world problems. It was agreed to continue contacts at various levels," the statement added.

Eastern Economic Forum is geared at enhancing foreign investments in resource rich Fareast Russia and forms part of Russian strategy in the Pacific. India is also hoping to utilise this Forum as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy to widen presence in the Fareast Asia.