Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day official visit to Russia, made a direct appeal to end the Ukraine conflict, which has been ongoing for over two years. During an informal meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the latter’s official residence in Moscow, PM Modi told him that no resolution can be found on the battleground. “India has always emphasized respecting the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no resolution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward,” PM Modi is believed to have conveyed to Putin during the dinner.
Additionally, PM Modi raised concerns about Indian nationals misled into joining the Russian army by unscrupulous travel agents. Sources reported that Russia has committed to repatriating all affected individuals.
Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Russia since the country began its military operations in Ukraine and since he started his third consecutive term last month. India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia and has abstained from United Nations resolutions condemning Moscow.
In congratulating PM Modi on his third term, Vladimir Putin noted that Modi’s re-election highlights his success in promoting India’s interests: “The outcomes are evident; India now ranks third globally in terms of economy.”
The meeting between PM Modi and President Putin marks their 16th encounter in the past decade, with their last face-to-face interaction occurring at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022.
In 2019, PM Modi received Russia’s highest state award, the ‘Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.’
This visit to Russia by PM Modi is his first since the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv began in 2022.