Modi holds bilateral with Putin, says India ready to help restore peace between Russia, Ukraine- The Week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Kazan, Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit. On arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

On the margins of the BRICS summit, PM Modi held bilaterals with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi asserted that India stands ready to play whatever role is required for peace.

ALSO READ | PM Modi leaves to attend BRICS Summit. Will he meet China’s Xi Jinping amid LAC patrolling pact?

“We have another opportunity to discuss these issues today. We have been in constant touch with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” said Modi.

“I congratulate you on Russia’s successful presidency of BRICS…many countries want to join the grouping now,” said Modi.

Our annual summit in July resulted in strengthening cooperation in every field, he added.

Modi highlighted the “close coordination and deep friendship” between both nations as it is his second visit to Russia in three months.

“As I said earlier, we believe that problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner…All our efforts give priority to humanity; India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in times to come,” he said.

The summit is seen as an attempt by the non-Western powers to project their clout amid the conflict in Ukraine and the escalating situation in West Asia.

During the introductory speech in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, Putin said, “We greatly value India-Russia cooperation within BRICS, as both our countries are founding members. We’re witnessing enhanced collaboration between our legislatures, our foreign ministers maintain constant communication, and trade is showing positive growth.”

Putin stressed that India-Russia relations are developing rapidly and Moscow values its interaction with New Delhi.