Ahead of SCO Summit, Putin discusses Wagner aftermath, US visit with Modi
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, June 30: Russian President Vladimir Putin, on close heels of rebellion by a private army head Yevgeny Prigozin of Wagner, held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the evolving situation within Russia, as well as the outcome of the US visit. The national security advisors of the two countries had yesterday discussed the situations in Russia amid indications that Putin is carrying out purge within the military establishment.
“In a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his understanding and support for the decisive actions of the Russian leadership to protect order and ensure stability in the country,” the Kremlin press service announced.
The Kremlin specified that during the discussion of current issues of bilateral cooperation, the importance of implementing large joint projects in various fields was highlighted. “Special attention was paid to the interaction within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the G20, which India currently chairs, as well as the BRICS format. In addition, Narendra Modi informed Putin about international contacts, including the recent visit to Washington,” the Kremlin said in the statement.
The Prime Minister’s Office, meanwhile, issued a concise statement, saying that the two leaders “reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest”. President Putin informed PM about the recent developments in Russia, added the PMO in the statement.
“While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and continue to make efforts to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries,” underlined the PMO in the statement.
While Putin is currently beset with crisis at home amid rebellion by Wgnor chief which had dented his steel image, besides apprehensions that dissidents may take cue and pose larger challenge to his leadership, Russia is seeking support from the friendly countries to its efforts to maintain unity of the country. Russian observers have also been closely following the Modi visit to the US, with the pro-Kremlin commentators underlining historical ties between India and Russia in contrast to Washington warming up to New Delhi.
Putin had yesterday praised Modi for his ‘Make in India’ programme. Russia is currently pressing India for resolving the payment issue for the oils sold to New Delhi at discounted rates. The SCO Summit will be held on Tuesday in the virtual format. The BRICS Summit will take place in September, which India is likely to host in the physical format.
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