March 18, 2014

President Vladimir Putin telephoned Prime Minister at 7.30 pm today and discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine and the recent referendum in Crimea.

Prime Minister thanked President Putin for explaining the Russian position with regard to recent developments in Ukraine. He emphasized the consistent position India had on the issues of unity and territorial integrity of countries. Prime Minister expressed his hope that all sides would exercise restraint and work together constructively to find political and diplomatic solutions that protected the legitimate interests of all countries in the region and ensured long term peace and stability in Europe and beyond.

Prime Minister and President Putin also discussed the close relationship and mutually beneficial partnership between India and Russia and reaffirmed the importance that both countries attached to their special and privileged strategic partnership. Prime Minister also thanked President Putin for his personal leadership in further deepening and strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership in recent years.