A day after calling PM Modi his “great friend”, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian PM held telephonic conversation. President Putin discussed the Ukraine issue and armed mutiny by Wagner mercenary group with PM Modi. As per Kremlin, PM Modi has expressed his support to Russia’s “decisive actions” in handling Wagner mutiny. They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy. Both leaders agreed to make efforts to further strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries. This telephonic conversation comes ahead of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit. India has invited all SCO Member States, including Russia to join the virtual summit in July this year.