Russia, India set to deepen cooperation following Modi's Moscow visit

MOSCOW, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Russia and India have vowed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.

Russia-India ties remain stable in the current complex and uncertain geopolitical situation, the statement read, adding that the leaders of both countries noted the continued strengthening and expansion of their "special and privileged strategic partnership."

The countries will continue their dialogue in trade liberalization, including the possibility of a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and India, the statement said.

The two nations agreed to accelerate the growth of bilateral trade, setting a target to drive up trade turnover to 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.

The leaders also agreed to prepare a program for the development of strategic areas of economic cooperation between the countries by 2030.

The countries reaffirmed the importance of security dialogue and agreed to strengthen regional security architecture, the statement said.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, Russia and India stressed the need for a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and the involvement of both sides of the conflict.

Putin and Modi also called for the implementation of the UN resolution on a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, advocating for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

For energy, Russia and India agreed to consider new long-term contracts and further cooperation in the coal sector.

During his visit, Modi was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle, Russia's highest state honor, by Putin.

The Russian leader also invited Modi to the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in the Russian city of Kazan in autumn.

Modi paid an official state visit to Russia from July 8 to 9. This was Modi's first visit to Russia in the last five years.