Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi hold talks in Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks in Moscow, the Kremlin press service reported.

The Russian head of state noted that Russia and India enjoy a close strategic relationship, and the two countries are linked by friendship.

"Today our relations have the character of a special privileged strategic partnership," Putin said.

He stressed that Russia-India trade jumped by 20% in the first quarter of 2024 alone, adding that in 2023 trade increased by 66%.

The Russian president said that Russia and India closely cooperate on the international stage.

Putin invited the Indian PM to the BRICS summit set to take place in Kazan in October.