Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov on Monday discussed key aspects of India-Russia cooperation, including efforts to establish a direct trade payment system in rubles and rupees.
Highlighting the "long-standing" friendship between New Delhi and Moscow, she recalled that Moscow helped India not just in the 1971 war but has throughout been the main supplier of India's defence needs.
Earlier, the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that one of the focus areas between the two leaders would be the ongoing Ukraine conflict and India's stance on Russia and China.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ukraine by train, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he could have done that 'with a Vande Bharat', adding that it was a 10-hour long journey each way, and was the only option in that situation.
PM Modi shared insights from his recent visit to Ukraine and underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve an abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
"The visit is a testimony to the longstanding relationship between the navies of Russia and India. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral naval relations between India and Russia as well as explore new avenues for naval cooperation," the Ministry of Defence stated in a press release.
On the reports of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified that India, like any other government will make its position known at the right time, and through the right channel.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that the solution will not emerge from the battlefield, adding that it is imperative to return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Reacting to top US official Donald Lu's remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia, the Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi has longstanding relationship with Moscow and every country has freedom of choice in a multipolar world.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, the US has urged India to "utilize" its longstanding relationship with Russia and tell President Vladimir Putin to end his "illegal war" in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended US President Joe Biden after being referred to as "President Putin" by him, calling it "a mistake".