Ganesh Kendale
In their second bilateral meeting this year, PM Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the Russia-Ukraine conflict “should be resolved only through peaceful means”, while saying that India fully supports early restoration of peace and stability in the restive region.
The meeting with Putin was Modi’s first official engagement in Kazan on the sidelines of summit that commenced on Tuesday.
“We have been in regular touch on the issue of Russia-Ukraine war. In all our efforts, we give priority to humanity, and we are ready to provide any possible assistance in the future,” said Modi in his opening remarks before the meeting.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said Modi briefed Putin about his meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv. India has maintained that any initiative for enduring peace must involve both sides.
“The bond between India and Russia is deep-rooted. Our talks focussed on how to add even more vigour to our bilateral partnership across diverse sectors,” Modi posted on X.
Putin: India ties ‘a particularly privileged strategic alliance’
Misri later said India’s position is to remain in touch with key actors and gauge the possibility of finding a peaceful path to end the conflict and also to look at alternative approaches that may not currently be on the table.
Modi last met Putin in Moscow in July when he visited Moscow for the annual India-Russia summit mechanism after a gap of two years. His big message to the Russian President then was that solutions to conflicts cannot emerge from the battlefield.
Modi also spoke about India’s decision to open a consulate in Kazan, saying it will make ties stronger.
“This is my second visit to Russia in the last three months, and this demonstrates the close coordination and strong friendship between our countries. And thanks to our discussions, our cooperation in all areas has strengthened,’’ said Modi.
“Over the last 15 years of its existence, our BRICS association has created a special identity for itself, and today many countries around the world want to join our association,” added Modi, congratulating Putin for his leadership of the grouping this year.
Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd annual summit.
In his own opening remarks, Putin said Russia-India ties have the “character of a particularly privileged strategic partnership” and continue to actively develop.
“Cooperation between legislative bodies is being strengthened. Our foreign ministers are in constant contact. Trade turnover is in good condition. And the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission is scheduled for November 12 in New Delhi,’’ said Putin.
“Major projects are consistently developing, and we welcome your decision to open the Consulate General of India in Kazan. The expansion of India’s diplomatic presence in Russia will contribute to the further development of bilateral relations,’’ added Putin. The duo agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the ‘special and privileged strategic partnership’ between the two nations, which continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience in the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties.
