‘I had a detailed and useful exchange of views with my friend President Putin on recent developments in Afghanistan and we discussed issues on the bilateral agenda, including cooperation against Covid-19, and agreed to continue consultations on important issues,’ Modi said on social networking site Twitter.

The Indian prime minister spoke earlier on Monday by telephone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel about Afghanistan and its implications for the region and the world, the chancellery website reported.

Modi and Merkel emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security, the most urgent priority being the repatriation of stranded people.

They also addressed bilateral agenda items such as cooperation on vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, development collaboration focusing on climate and energy, as well as the promotion of trade and economic relations.

They also exchanged views on multilateral issues, such as the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP-26), November 1-12 in Glasgow, Scotland, and the Indian initiative to promote talks on maritime security at the UN Security Council.

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