• Source:JND
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Russia President Vladimir Putin extended his New Year message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and highlighted that relations between both countries developed dynamically amid the difficult international situation in the world. He also noted some major developments and India-Russia bilateral cooperation in the outgoing year.

The note read, "The messages addressed to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi note that, despite the difficult international situation, the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India continues to develop dynamically: in the outgoing year, trade has been growing at an exceptionally high rate and joint projects in various areas have been successfully implemented."

Putin also stressed the cooperation between the two countries to develop multifaceted bilateral ties and coordinate efforts to strengthen security and stability at the regional and global levels.

The document read further, "Vladimir Putin praised the results of India's chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20 and stressed his conviction that Moscow and New Delhi will continue to develop multifaceted bilateral ties and effectively coordinate efforts to strengthen security and stability at the regional and global levels.".

The Russian President extended Christmas and New Year greetings to several former foreign heads of state and government, including Belarus, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, and many others. He met the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, who was on his formal visit to Moscow from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides.

Putin, during the meeting, emphasised the positive stance of Prime Minister Modi on complex global developments, including the situation in Ukraine.

"We know the stance of Prime Minister Modi and we mentioned that repeatedly on many occasions. Well, his attitude towards some complex developments, including the flashpoints like...in Ukraine," he noted.

He also mentioned that he has advised Modi on the developments in Ukraine multiple times and indicated that further discussions on the matter would take place. He also expressed gratitude for the progressing relationship between Russia and India amid global turmoil.

"Many times, I advised him of how things have been going there and I know that he (PM Modi) is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So, we probably will delve into that deeper now, and we will give additional information to you on that time," Putin added.

(With input from agencies)