Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. Their discussions covered various issues, including exploring potential resolutions to Moscow's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
During the meeting, Putin remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “willing to do his utmost” to address the Russia-Ukraine issue through “peaceful means.”
Putin emphasised Prime Minister Modi's positive stance on complex global developments, including the situation in Ukraine. “We know the stance of Prime Minister Modi and we have mentioned that repeatedly on many occasions. Well, his attitude towards some complex developments, including the flashpoints like…in Ukraine,” he noted.
The Russian President mentioned that he has advised PM Modi regarding the developments in Ukraine on multiple occasions and suggested that additional discussions on the matter would occur.
“Many times, I advised him of how things have been going there, and I know that he is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So, we probably will delve into that deeper now, and we will give additional information to you on that time,” Putin stated.
Putin also expressed gratitude for the progressing relationship between Russia and India amid global turmoil. “We are gratified to note that despite all the turmoil happening worldwide, the relationship with our true friend in Asia, India has been progressing incrementally,” Putin said.
“We have outpaced the growth rates over the past year. We have surpassed all the growth that we had last year over 9 months only,” Putin added, attributing the growth to trade in oil, refined products, coal, and high-tech spheres.
He highlighted the multifaceted nature of the Russia-India partnership, extending beyond energy cooperation to encompass technology and other sectors.
“So, definitely, this is due to the trade in oil and refined products in coal. Not only energy, we also operate in high- tech spheres,” he noted.
Putin expressed his keenness for Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia, suggesting that discussions covering current issues and the future of Russian-Indian relations would be on the agenda during the visit.
“Definitely, we will be glad to see our dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paying a visit to Russia, we will be able to discuss all the relevant, current issues and talk to the prospects of the Russian and Indian relationship,” he said.
Putin extended his warm regards to Modi and acknowledged India's hectic political calendar, particularly noting the forthcoming general elections scheduled for the following year.
“We have a lot an open field of work ahead of us. So, please convey my best, very best wishes to his excellency. And please, tell him that we want to see him, Russia expect him to come although, I know that India next year will have a busy political schedule,” he said.
“The general elections in parliament are scheduled for next year. We wish our friends every success in that and we hope that anyway, no matter what the alignment of political forces would be the traditional conventional friendly ties will persist between our nations,” the Russian President added.
India has frequently stated its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis through diplomatic talks. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia started in February 2022, causing tens of thousands of casualties on both sides.
The External Affairs minister is on a Russia visit from December 25 to 29 as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two nations.
-By Aditya Ahuja
