New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, congratulating him on his 73rd birthday. During the phone call, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between India and Russia.

According to a statement from New Delhi, Modi conveyed his best wishes to Putin for his good health and success. He also expressed his anticipation of welcoming Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This marks their fourth phone call since August.

PM Modi tweeted, "Spoke with my friend President Putin and conveyed warm birthday greetings and best wishes for his good health and long life. Deeply appreciate his personal commitment to deepening India–Russia ties over the years".

The leaders reviewed the progress made on the bilateral agenda between the two countries. Putin had called Modi on September 17 to wish him on his 75th birthday. Modi thanked Putin and stated India is ready to contribute to peacefully resolving the Ukraine conflict.

The India-Russia annual summit is scheduled for early December. Putin's visit is expected around December 5, and both sides are reportedly working on deliverables to boost cooperation in areas of trade, investment, defense, and security. Putin last visited India in December 2021. Modi and Putin also met in Tianjin on September 1 on the sidelines of the SCO leaders' summit.

India and Russia have maintained close ties for decades, with a strong strategic partnership.