Russia's Putin, India's Modi discuss Afghanistan in phone call

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the International military-technical forum "Army-2021" at Patriot Congress and Exhibition Centre in Moscow Region, Russia August 23, 2021. Sputnik/Ramil Sitdikov/Kremlin via REUTERS

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Afghanistan in a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The two leaders agreed to establish a permanent channel for bilateral consultations on Afghan developments, it said.

FILE PHOTO: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering before flagging off the "Dandi March", or Salt March, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, in Ahmedabad, India, March 12, 2021. REUTERS/Amit Dave

(Reporting by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Edmund Blair)