What happened?
On 17 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, President Putin conveyed greetings to PM Modi on his 75th birthday. The leaders also reviewed various issues on the bilateral agenda in the run-up to the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
According to the MEA, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for President Putin’s wishes and enduring friendship. He conveyed that he looks forward to welcoming the Russian President to India later this year. PM Modi reiterated India’s support for the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, and the leaders agreed to remain in close touch on key issues.
Why it matters to India
The exchange highlights the continuing strength of the India-Russia partnership at a time of global flux. With the 23rd Annual Summit on the horizon, the leaders’ conversation reaffirmed their intent to maintain momentum in bilateral cooperation. PM Modi’s reiteration of India’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict underlines New Delhi’s balanced approach, while President Putin’s outreach on PM Modi’s birthday underscores the personal rapport that has long shaped India-Russia ties.