Putin updates PM Modi on the Wagner group's uprising and the situation in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an update on the situation in Ukraine and the recent rebellion by the Wagner group during a phone call. Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Russia's actions in maintaining law and order. In return, Modi informed Putin about his recent international trips, including his visit to the US. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the significant growth in bilateral trade since 2022. This phone conversation marked their first contact since the Wagner group's short-lived mutiny on June 24.

The call took place shortly after Putin praised Modi as Russia's "big friend" and commended India's efforts in developing local manufacturing and attracting foreign investors during a Moscow forum. Modi expressed understanding and support for the Russian leadership's decisive measures to protect law and order and ensure stability in the wake of the Wagner group mutiny. While discussing the situation in Ukraine, Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy.

Putin provided an assessment of the ongoing military operation in Ukraine and emphasized Kyiv's refusal to engage in political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. India has not publicly criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. The phone conversation, initiated by India, also highlighted the significance of implementing major joint projects across various sectors and expressed satisfaction with the growth in bilateral trade. Putin and Modi discussed their cooperation within organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), G20, and the BRICS format.

Modi shared details of his international engagements, including his recent visit to Washington. The Kremlin described the conversation as substantive and constructive, reaffirming the mutual commitment to strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. On a separate occasion, Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia's Security Council, briefed Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on the Wagner group rebellion and discussed security cooperation. Putin praised India's "Make in India" initiative as a successful model for local manufacturing and attracting foreign investments.

He suggested that Russia should provide support tools to enhance the marketability of its products, referring to India's experience. The "Make in India" initiative, launched in 2014, focuses on various sectors such as automobiles, textiles, pharmaceutical products, electronics, and renewable energy, aiming to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities through technology transfers. As part of the initiative, Russia has offered to transfer technology for manufacturing defense items, including joint production of 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi facility. India has increased its purchase of discounted Russian crude since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, surpassing traditional energy suppliers like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Indian imports of Russian crude during 2022-23 amounted to $31 billion, a nearly 13-fold increase compared to $2.5 billion in 2021-22.