Not period of battle, PM tells Putin who says will attempt to finish Ukraine battle soonest

With no signal of the top of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday that “today’s era is not an era of war”. Putin stated he understood Delhi’s considerations concerning the battle in Ukraine and needed it to finish “as soon as possible”.

Meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit within the Uzbekistan metropolis of Samarkand, Modi advised Putin, “I know that today’s era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this.” He stated democracy, diplomacy and dialogue have saved the world collectively.

Maintaining that Ukraine had rejected negotiations, Putin stated Kyiv was set on attaining its personal targets “on the battlefield”.

“I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, your concerns that you constantly express,” he advised Modi.

Putin had made related feedback to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, saying he understood Beijing’s considerations over the battle.

Putin advised Modi, “We will do our best to stop this as soon as possible. However, unfortunately, the opposing side, the leadership of Ukraine, announced its refusal to continue negotiations and declared that they wanted to achieve their goals by military means, as they say ‘on the battlefield’. But nevertheless, we will always keep you informed of what is happening there.”

“It is important that we constantly coordinate our positions,  despite the coronavirus restrictions: we spoke on the phone four times, our officials are constantly in contact with each other,” he stated.

This was the primary assembly of the 2 leaders because the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 this yr – and their most candid public dialog on the battle between the 2 leaders. They have spoken a minimum of 4 occasions within the final six months with Modi calling for cessation of hostilities and advocating the trail of diplomacy and dialogue.

While India didn’t criticise the Russian invasion, it condemned the Bucha bloodbath by which harmless civilians have been killed.

Putin stated, “Constructive relations between our countries in the economic sphere are obviously developing. The trade turnover is growing, including due to, as you requested, additional deliveries of Russian fertilisers to the Indian market. Supplies of fertilisers from Russia to India increased by more than eight times – not by some percentage, but by more than eight times. I hope this will help Indian farmers solve the complex tasks of providing food for the country’s population.”

“Large-scale joint projects in the oil and gas sector and nuclear power industry are consistently being implemented. For Russians, India’s rich history and ancient culture are traditionally of great interest. In this regard, we propose to intensify the negotiation process on an agreement on visa-free tourist trips. We could also consider holding the Cross Years of Russia and India in 2024,” he stated.

After the assembly, Modi stated, “Had a wonderful meeting with President Putin. We got the opportunity to discuss furthering India-Russia cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, defence and more. We also discussed other bilateral and global issues.”

The Ministry of External Affairs, in an announcement, stated, “The leaders appreciated the sustained momentum in bilateral ties, including contacts at various levels. President Putin expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s video-message at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok earlier this month.”

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“Discussions also pertained to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilisers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geo-political situation,” it stated.

“In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy,” the MEA stated.

“This was the first meeting of both leaders this year, which marks the 75th anniversary year of establishment of diplomatic relations. They agreed to remain in touch,” it stated.