From the Russian side, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu Shoigu SergeiSecretary of the Russian Federation Security Counciltook part in the meeting.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Doval, I am delighted to meet with you again.

As I mentioned at our general meeting, I recall Mr Modi Modi NarendraPrime Minister of India's visit to Moscow.

I must say that the visit was not only highly successful, but the subsequent work is progressing very effectively and at the pace agreed upon by the Prime Minister and myself.

Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about. We are also pleased to see India's success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

Security issues have always been, and continue to be, among our top priorities. We appreciate your visit to St Petersburg, following last year's meeting in Moscow. Thank you for continuing to support this dialogue from the Indian side.

We will be expecting Mr Modi in Kazan. I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting there on October 22 in order to close the books on our joint work in implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and outline some prospects for the near future.

Please extend my warmest regards and best wishes to Mr Modi, my good friend.

National Security Advisor of the Republic of India Ajit Kumar Doval: Thank you very much, Excellency. I am deeply grateful to you for this very rare opportunity to give me an audience despite your very busy schedule. Excellency, I have come here on the direction of Prime Minister Modi, who has conveyed his highest regards to you. His visit to Moscow was greatly successful and he was highly satisfied with the visit because he has come back with some precious memories.

As the Prime Minister told you during your telephone talk, he was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelensky. And he wanted me to come specially and personally and brief you on the talks. The talks were in a closed format; it was only the two leaders. He had two people with him, and I happened to be with the Prime Minister. So, I witnessed that, I attended that conversation.

<…>