Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed COVID-19 with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a day before G-20 countries will discuss the issue through a video conference.

“On the initiative of the Indian side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi,” officials said.

“In line with the continuing trust-based dialogue that reflects the special nature of the Russia-India strategic partnership, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi informed each other in detail about the measures introduced in both countries to counter the spread of this infection,” said the official statement.

Here are key points of the discussion:

• The Prime Minister conveyed his good wishes for early recovery of all those suffering from the disease in Russia and expressed the hope that Russia’s efforts, led by President Putin, to fight the disease would be successful. President Putin conveyed to the Prime Minister his good wishes for the success of measures adopted in India to combat COVID-19.

• The two leaders agreed on further consultation and cooperation in adequately addressing all challenges faced by this major global crisis, including those pertaining to health, medicine, scientific research, humanitarian matters and impact on global economy.

• The Prime Minister appreciated the cooperation of Russian authorities in ensuring well-being of Indian students in Russia and hoped that the same would continue. President Putin assured all help in this regard.

• The two leaders also agreed to continue their close cooperation for maintaining the excellent momentum and the warm of the cordial and time-tested bilateral relations.

• Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi briefed each other on measures introduced in both countries to contain the spread of infection.

• They reiterated that they looked forward to several opportunities for their interaction in person during the course of the year.