Narendra Modi interacts with Vladimir Putin over evolving COVID-19 situation 

Modi termed his interaction with Putin as 'excellent'.

" Had an excellent conversation with my friend President Putin today. We discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation, and I thanked President Putin for Russia's help and support in India's fight against the pandemic.
@KremlinRussia_E," Modi tweeted.

" We also reviewed our diverse bilateral cooperation, especially in the area of space exploration and renewable energy sector, including in hydrogen economy. Our cooperation on Sputnik-V vaccine will assist humanity in battling the pandemic," he said.

" To add further momentum to our strong strategic partnership, President Putin and I have agreed to establish a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between our Foreign and Defence Ministers," he said.

Putin extended his support to PM Modi during this difficult period of combatting the spread of the coronavirus and informed him of the decision to send emergency humanitarian aid to India.

In particular, flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry will deliver over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine.

The Prime Minister of India warmly thanked the President of Russia for the assistance provided, which is largely high-tech and is in great demand in the country.

The leaders welcomed the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in India and noted its high efficiency and safety. They also expressed their satisfaction with the fact that the Russian Direct Investment Fund had reached an agreement with the Indian companies to produce 850 doses of Sputnik V. The production is to begin in May.

Further development of bilateral relations of the especially privileged strategic partnership was discussed, including a schedule of contacts at various levels.

India has been witnessing a fatal blow of the COVID-19 for the past several weeks.

In a grim picture, India on Wednesday reported its biggest spike in Novel Coronavirus cases by adding over 3.60 lakh fresh infections.

The country has reported 3,60,960 new cases taking the caseload to 17,997,267.

India has reported 3,293 deaths in 36 states and union territories taking the Covid-19 toll to over 2,00,000-mark.

The six most-affected states or union territories are Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, which are adding the highest number of cases daily.

However, reports said, the daily cases have dipped in Maharashtra and Delhi following the imposition of anti-Covid lockdown.