Moscow, Sept. 27 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming the strong and time-tested nature of relations between Moscow and New Delhi last week. The Russian leader disclosed details of the exchange during a meeting with members of the Russian Government, according to the official website of the Kremlin.

Putin underlined the stability of Russian-Indian relations, describing them as "based on a national consensus." He went on to commend India's achievements in governance and economic growth under Modi's leadership.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is pursuing a completely independent, sovereign policy and, most importantly, is achieving very ...