Putin, Modi discuss results of BRICS summit in South Africa

MOSCOW. Aug 28 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have discussed the results of the 15th BRICS summit in South Africa by telephone, and agreed on close coordination during Russia's BRICS chairmanship, which starts on January 1, 2024, the Kremlin's press service said in a statement on Monday.

"Putin reiterated his warm congratulations to Narendra Modi on the successful landing of the Indian Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the lunar south pole. [The sides] confirmed [their] readiness to continue developing bilateral cooperation in space," the statement said.

Regarding the Johannesburg summit, the sides "emphasized the significance of the agreements reached, primarily to enlarge BRICS, which will undoubtedly help increase the bloc's influence in international affairs," the statement said.

"[The sides] agreed on close coordination in the context of Russia's BRICS chairmanship starting from January 1, 2024. In addition, [the sides] exchanged views on the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi," it said.

The two leaders also considered current issues in their bilateral relations, which are developing in the spirit of an especially privileged strategic partnership, it said.

"[The sides] underscored the positive dynamic of their trade and economic cooperation, [and] expressed their mutual determination to consistently implement large-scale projects in the energy sector and work together to expand international transport and logistics infrastructure," it said.