Putin calls PM, hails India's 'independent, sovereign policy'

NEW DELHI: After US President Donald Trump, his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin too called PM Modi to wish him on his birthday. Several other world leaders, including Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, greeted Modi on his birthday.In their phone conversation, Modi and Putin took stock of various issues on the bilateral agenda in the run up to the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit that will be held in Dec. The summit will see Putin visiting India for the first time since the Russia-Ukraine war started. Modi said he was looking forward to welcoming Putin. Like he did with Trump, Modi addressed Putin as "my friend" in a post on X announcing his talks with the Russian President and reiterating full support for resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Putin complimented Modi for India's "independent and sovereign policy" and its "impressive" economic performance."We are committed to further strengthening our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India is ready to make all possible contributions towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict," said Modi. Like Trump, Putin too praised Modi saying his work as head of govt had earned him great respect from his compatriots and "enormous prestige on the international stage".

"You are making a great personal contribution to strengthening the privileged strategic partnership between our countries," he said. Netanyahu, in a video message on X, wished "good friend" Modi on his birthday. "I look forward to seeing you soon because we can bring our partnership and our friendship to even greater heights. Happy birthday, my friend." Meloni also wished Modi in a post, attaching a picture of the two leaders. "His strength, his determination, and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration..." she said. Britain's King Charles III sent a Kadamb tree as a birthday gift to Modi.

In a gesture inspired by Modi's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" environmental initiative, British embassy in Delhi said the tree sampling reflects their shared commitment to conservation.