Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote peace in Ukraine, citing his ideas for a mutually acceptable solution…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote an end to the Ukraine conflict, saying the Indian leader has repeatedly raised the issue during their meetings and offered what he described as “very good ideas” for finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow on Thursday, Putin said Modi had consistently expressed his interest in ending the conflict despite India’s close and friendly relations with Russia.
“Regarding Prime Minister Modi’s position on ending wars and so forth, I can say that he is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly, relations, and very good personal ties, constantly raises questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine. He always raises these issues at every meeting with us. He is keenly interested, and he has very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. In this sense, the Prime Minister certainly takes a neutral position, but he is interested in ending the conflict. I simply consider it my duty to state this frankly,” Putin told the gathering.
Putin also expressed gratitude to Modi for his efforts and commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution.
“We are grateful to the Prime Minister for his ideas—I won’t go into details now—for his commitment to ending this conflict, including peacefully and as quickly as possible,” he said.
Modi has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international conflicts and has maintained that India supports efforts towards peace in Ukraine.
Last month, Modi met Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
The situation in the Black Sea has affected maritime trade and raised concerns over the safety and security of Indian seafarers. During the meeting, Modi reiterated that India was ready to assist in peace efforts.
Earlier in August, Modi met Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek and again stressed India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine.
“As you know, India supports all efforts towards peace and will continue to do so. Every day spent in war pushes humanity backwards, while every step taken towards peace fills humanity with a new hope and enthusiasm. We must move from an endless war towards an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity,” Modi said during that meeting.
India has maintained diplomatic engagement with Russia while also advocating dialogue and diplomacy as the means to address international conflicts. New Delhi has repeatedly said that lasting solutions require engagement between the parties concerned.
Putin’s comments underline the continued discussions between the Russian and Indian leaderships over the Ukraine conflict, while Modi has continued to publicly call for efforts towards peace.
The Ukraine conflict remains a major international issue, with consequences extending beyond the region to trade, energy markets, food security and maritime routes.
