MOSCOW, February 20 (Itar-Tass) — Russian and Indian diplomats discussed the situation in Syria and around it, in the context of discussions within the U.N. Security Council, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.

Commenting on Monday’s meeting between Russian presidential special envoy for the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Indian Ambassador in Moscow Ajai Malhotra, the ministry said, “Mikhail Bogdanov told Ajai Malhotra about Russia’s approaches towards settling the Syrian crisis, including in light of the recent visit to Damascus by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and director of Russian Intelligence Service Mikhail Fradkov.”

“The sides confirmed their intention to maintain regular contacts, including cooperation on international platforms, as well as on all issues related to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa,” the ministry said.