AKIPRESS.COM - Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh underlined the necessity of territorial integrity when President of Russia Vladimir Putin telephoned him Tuesday evening, the External Affairs Ministry of India reported.

The Indian Prime Minister stressed that New Delhi hoped for a diplomatic solution to the issue over Crimea's annexation to Russia.

He added it is necessary to find political and diplomatic solutions that protect the legitimate interests of all countries in the region and ensured long-term peace and stability in Europe and beyond.

The two leaders also discussed the close relationship and mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

Singh thanked Putin for his personal leadership in further deepening and strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership in recent years.