New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day official visit to Russia, made a direct appeal to end the ongoing Ukraine war. In an informal meeting with President Vladimir Putin at his official residence in Moscow, PM Modi emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy. “India has always called for respecting the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward,” PM Modi stated during the dinner.
Additionally, PM Modi raised concerns about Indian nationals being deceived into joining the Russian army by unscrupulous travel agents. Sources reported that Russia has committed to repatriating all affected individuals.
Earlier this year, a viral video showed a group of men from Punjab and Haryana, dressed in army uniforms, claiming they were tricked into fighting in Ukraine and pleading for help.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Russia since the country launched its campaign in Ukraine and since he returned to power last month for a record third term. India has abstained from explicitly condemning Russia and has refrained from voting on United Nations resolutions censuring Moscow.
President Putin congratulated PM Modi on his re-election, noting that his third term underscores his effectiveness in advancing India’s interests: “The results speak for themselves; India now ranks third globally in terms of economy.”
The meeting marks the 16th encounter between PM Modi and President Putin 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 was honored with Russia’s highest state award, the ‘Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.’ This visit to Russia is his first since the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv began in 2022. Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi will embark on a historic trip to Austria, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the nation in 40 years.
