Putin accepts PM Modi’s invite to visit India, backs uncompromising fight against terror

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi - File Photo

The Kremlin on Monday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India. Putin will attend the annual India-Russia bilateral summit which will take place in New Delhi later this year.

Putin and Modi emphasized during the call which took place on Monday that relations between Russia and India were not affected by external influence and continue to develop dynamically.

The leaders also emphasised the need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in any of its manifestations, Kremlin said.

"The Indian leader confirmed his invitation to the Russian president to visit India for an annual bilateral summit. The invitation was gratefully accepted,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Kremlin also called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan amid heightened tensions in wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

"We hope that the parties will be able to take measures (...) that will reduce tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that "we are following with great concern the tense atmosphere that has developed on the border."

Moscow last week said it was ready to mediate after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held calls with both sides last week.

The Pakistan military said on Monday it had conducted a second missile test since the stand-off began.

Russia has historically had close ties to India, dating back to the Soviet Union, and is the country's biggest weapons supplier.

"India is our strategic partner. Pakistan is also our partner. We value our relations with both Delhi and Islamabad," Peskov said.