Putin dials PM Modi to discuss the Wagner revolt
01 Jul 2023 11:30:56
Moscow, Jul 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation around Ukraine and how Moscow had resolved an armed mercenary mutiny in a telephone call on Friday. The Kremlin said that PM Modi had expressed support for what the Kremlin called the Russian leadership's decisive actions in handling the mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group last Saturday.
"In connection with 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," it said. Prime Minister Modi's office said the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, adding that Putin informed PM Modi about the recent developments in Russia.
"While discussing the situation in Ukraine, PM reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy," it said. Russia has been engaged in a conflict with Ukraine for over a year, with the Western world rallying against Putin over the war. The two leaders also discussed their countries' cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the G20. "Special attention was focused on cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G20, where India holds the presidency, as well as within the BRICS format," the statement said.
The rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner group on Saturday marked the most serious challenge to President Putin in more than two decades of his rule and triggered questions over his leadership. The Wagner mercenary group had taken control of Rostov-on-Don town. The revolt ended when Prigozhin ordered his troops back.