Putin has called Modi to express his condolences over the 14 February terrorist attack on Indian paramilitary forces in the Pulwama district in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, which killed 40 troops.
"The Prime Minister thanked President Putin for Russia’s steadfast support for India’s efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks, and renewed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism", the statement by Modi’s office reads.
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Putin also reiterated the invitation for Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. The prime minister welcomed the invitation and underscored the significance of a growing economic cooperation, including in the Russian Far East.
The Indian airstrike came after a deadly attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad on the Indian paramilitary police force in Kashmir last month. While India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants and having a "direct hand" in the incident, Pakistan, in turn, has rejected the allegations, accusing India of being responsible for human rights violations taking place in Kashmir.
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India and Pakistan both lay territorial claims to Kashmir. Jaish-e Mohammed has staged several attacks in northern India since it has emerged reportedly in 1999 and is known to have close ties to the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
*Taliban, al-Qaeda are terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other counties.
