India-Russia pact to build ships, PM Modi hails 'great friend' Putin

PM said the 'friendship between India and Russia has stood the test of time', as he announced a joint partnership to build commercial ships

Russia detects first case of H5N8 avian flu in humans

While the highly contagious strain H5N8 is lethal for birds, it had never before been reported to have spread to humans

In two decades of Putin's rule, whatever little resistance was there from critics had been ironed out with brutal state repression tactics

His comments followed a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms that included an effective ban on gay marriage

Both exchange greetings ahead of the 75th anniversary of Nazi defeat in WWII, emphasizing on the "histroic alliance" between the countries

Russia was banned from the world’s top sporting events for four years earlier on Monday, including the next summer and winter Olympics.

The 2 leaders had comprehensive discussion on bilateral issues of mutual interest, especially trade, investment, energy, defence, tourism.

Trump admin has to certify that India is reducing Russian arms imports, expanding defence cooperation with US; India meets both conditions.

Democratic leaders immediately called for Trump to cancel scheduled meeting with Putin in Helsinki, White House said summit would go ahead.

US intelligence agencies have alleged that Russian hackers had tried to help Trump win White House, something Russia has flatly denied.