PM Narendra Modi in his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow emphasised that 'war is not a solution'.
PM Modi's visit to Russia has been criticised by many including Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Russian missiles attacked five cities in Ukraine on Monday killing at least 20 people including a children's hospital in the national capital Kyiv.
PM Modi during his 2-day visit to Russia participated in a private dinner hosted by Putin and on Tuesday engaged in talks with him.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi said, "I am confident that our ties will see further strengthening in coming years."
PM Modi thanking Putin for the warm welcome in Russia, also took up the topic of terrorismin the beginning of his address, he said, "I am grateful to you for this warm welcome and respect. We got an unprecedented victory in the elections in India, and I thank you for the wishes you conveyed. In March, you also won in the elections, and I congratulate you for that."
PM Modi On India-Russia Bilateral Ties
PM Modi during his address said, "For the past 2.5 decades, I have a relation with Russia and you. We have met for 17 times over the past 10 years, and we have had nearly 22 bilateral meetings over the last 25 years. This itself reflects the depth of our relations. I assure you that our upcoming terms will only strengthen our ties further."
He then stated, "When the world was facing the challenge of fuels, your support helped us fulfil the petrol and diesel requirements of the common man. Not just this, the world should accept that India-Russia agreement regarding fuel played a big role in bringing stability to the international market."
"While we have been holding bilateral meetings for the last 25 years and have met 22 times, but this meeting is such that the entire world has its eyes on this meeting of mine and the entire world is trying to figure out different meanings out of it," said PM Modi.
And added, "We could insulate common citizens in India from difficulties in terms of availability of fuel because of your cooperation."
He also said, "We would want our cooperation with Russia to expand further so as to ensure welfare of our farmers."
'No Solution Possible In Battlefield': PM Modi On War, Ukraine
PM Modi during talks with President Putin revealed that at their private meeting a day before, they listened to each other's views on Ukraine.
Addressing to Putin, PM Modi said, "I placed before you yesterday Global South's expectation on peace and stability."
PM Modi then speaking of restoring peace, said, "For restoration of peace, India is ready to cooperate in all ways...I assure you and the world community that India is in favour of peace. Listening to my friend Putin talk about peace yesterday, gives me hope. I would like to say to my media friends - Possible."
Further condemning war and highlighting the effects of violence, PM Modi said, "Be it war, conflicts, terror attacks - everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives. But when innocent children are murdered, when we see innocent children dying, it is heart-wrenching. That pain is immense. I also held a detailed discussion with you over this."
Emphasising that war cannot bring proper solution, PM Modi stated, "No solution is possible in battlefield."
He said, "As a friend, I have always said that for the bright future of our coming generations, peace is of utmost importance. But I also know that solutions are not possible on battlegrounds. Amid bombs, guns and bullets, solutions and peace talks do not succeed. We will have to follow the path to peace only through talks."
He then spoke about the terror attacks in India, said, "In the last 40-50 years, India has been facing terrorism. We have been facing for 40 years, how horrible and disgusting terrorism is. So, when terror incidents occurred in Moscow, when terror incidents occurred in Dagestan, I can imagine how deep its pain would be. I strongly condemn all kinds of terrorism."
Responding to PM Modi's address, press secretary for Russian president, Dmitry Peskov said, "His (PM Modi) in-depth analysis of our bilateral relations and the global situation is very important for us. We do attach very great importance to our bilateral cooperation in various fields, and we do share the point of view of the Prime Minister that to a great extent, our cooperation contributes to global economic stability and prosperity, at the same time, Russia is doing its best to help India, Indian farmers, and Indian people with the supplies of necessary goods, of necessary energy sources and so on. It's a mutually beneficial cooperation and we hope that we will be able to continue broadening up this kind of interaction."
