New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wished Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 68th birthday and appreciated his contribution in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

In a telephonic conversation that lasted around 20 minutes, both leaders discussed various issues.

The Prime Minister shared the information on Twitter after his conversation with the Russian President. "Spoke to my friend President Vladimir Putin @KremlinRussia_E to greet him on his birthday today. Appreciated his immense personal contribution to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia."

To celebrate Putin's birthday, Russia had on Tuesday tested its Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile and successfully hit a target in the Barents Sea -- a step that comes amid tensions over arms control between Russia and the United States. Putin praised the test launch on Wednesday.