UPDATE - Putin, India's Modi discuss Ukraine war

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM KREMLIN

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Ukraine war in a phone call, according to a Friday statement from New Delhi.

The call between the two leaders came as US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, accusing New Delhi of profiting from Russian oil purchases.

Putin briefed Modi on the latest developments in the Ukraine war, said the statement from the Indian prime minister’s office.

Modi reiterated India’s “consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

The two leaders also reviewed progress in bilateral ties, and “reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia,” the statement added.

Modi also extended his invitation to Putin to attend the 23rd annual India-Russia summit to be hosted by the South Asian nation later this year.

A separate statement from the Kremlin said Putin shared with Modi the key results of his discussions earlier this week with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.

"Expressing gratitude for this information, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's consistent position in favor of political-diplomatic settlement of the situation around Ukraine," the statement said.

Putin and Modi also exchanged views on major issues, including trade and economic and investment cooperation.