Prime Minister Modi Briefs President Putin on U.S. Visit

July 1, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—India is hosting a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit which begins Tuesday, July 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 30 to brief him on his visit to the United States and attendance to the French climate conference, according to the statement of the Russian President’s Office. In addition, the Kremlin statement said, “With regard to 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.”

Modi’s Prime Minister’s Office said: “President Putin informed PM about the recent developments in Russia. While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy.”

“They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the PM’s Office said. “Both leaders agreed to remain in touch and continue to make efforts to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.”

Indian media described this as Modi quickly “rebalancing” after his U.S. visit to define India as an independent great power, not a global NATO asset, neutral in the Ukraine conflict and supporting a negotiated solution.