India and Russia agree on 2-plus-2, in diplomatic balancing act

While deepening ties with Quad, Modi keeps relationship with traditional partner

An S-400 "Triumph" surface-to-air missile system at a military base near Kaliningrad, Russia. Washington has warned India it could face sanctions if it purchases the Russian equipment. © Reuters

KEN MORIYASU and WAJAHAT KHAN, Nikkei staff writers

April 29, 2021 00:16 JST

Updated on April 29, 2021 04:12 JST

NEW YORK -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to establish a two-plus-two meeting between the two nations' foreign and defense ministers.

In a tweet, Modi said he had had an "excellent conversation with my friend President Putin," and that they had decided to launch a two-plus-two "to add further momentum to our strong strategic partnership."