India-Russia Relations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi PM Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (27 August), focusing on ways to enhance the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. During their discussion, the two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. PM Modi gave this information through social media.
“Discussed measures to further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership. Exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and shared insights gained from my recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, lasting and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he wrote on Twitter (formerly Twitter).
PM Modi returned from Ukraine only last week
PM Modi shared the information received from his recent visit to Ukraine and emphasized India’s firm commitment to support a quick, lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict. PM Modi visited Ukraine last week and discussed the situation there among other topics with US President Joe Biden on Monday.
The latest conversation between the two leaders came nearly four days after PM Modi visited war-torn Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky. During his talks with the Ukrainian leader, he reiterated his call to resolve the war with dialogue and diplomacy. During his meeting with the Ukrainian President, Modi had said that India is not “neutral” as it is always in favour of peace.
What did PM Modi say during his visit to Ukraine?
The Prime Minister had said, “We (India) are not neutral. From the very beginning we have taken sides and we have chosen the side of peace. We come from the land of Buddha, where there is no place for war.” He said, “I want to assure you and the entire global community that India is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity (of states) and this is of utmost importance to us.”
Last month, Modi visited Moscow and met Putin, reiterating India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict. He urged the Russian president to return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that “no solution can be found on the battlefield.”