New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders discussed the "recent developments in Russia" in the wake of a failed armed mutiny by the Wagner group, as well as the situation in Ukraine.

During the call, the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

President Putin informed PM Modi about the recent developments in Russia, a statement said.

While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy.

Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and continue to make efforts to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, it said.

The telephone call comes in the wake of the failed armed mutiny by the Wagner group, and its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who has been a mainstay in the Ukraine conflict, moving to Belarus, according to reports.

A Kremlin readout of the telephone talk said that it was held “at the initiative of the Indian side”.

“In connection with the events of June 24 in Russia, Narendra Modi expressed understanding and support for the decisive actions of the Russian leadership to protect law and order, ensure stability in the country and the security of its citizens," the statement said.

“When discussing topical issues of bilateral cooperation, they underscored the importance of further consistent implementation of the major joint projects in various areas and noted with satisfaction substantial growth in trade throughout 2022 and in the first quarter of this year.

“Particular attention was paid to interaction within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the G20, in which India currently holds presidency, as well as in the BRICS format. In addition, Narendra Modi informed on his international contacts, including ones during his recent visit to Washington," it said.

“The situation around Ukraine was touched upon as well. The Russian President gave his assessment of the current state of affairs in the special military operation zone, having stressed Kiev's utter refusal to undertake political and diplomatic steps to resolve the conflict.

“The conversation was substantiative and constructive. The leaders reaffirmed their mutual intention to strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and agreed to maintain contact," the Kremlin statement said.