Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict, saying the Indian leader has “good ideas” aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Addressing a gathering, Putin said PM Modi has consistently raised the need to end the conflict despite the close and friendly relations between India and Russia.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, personal good relations, constantly raises the question and asks the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said.
The Russian President said PM Modi had shown a keen interest in finding a peaceful resolution and had put forward ideas aimed at reaching mutually acceptable solutions.
“He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. In that sense, naturally, the Prime Minister takes a neutral position but with an interest in the end of the conflict,” Putin said.
He added, “I think it’s my duty to say that directly. And we are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas.”
Putin also thanked PM Modi for his efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“We are thankful for his desire to put an end to this conflict through peaceful means and as soon as possible,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has maintained that India’s approach is principled and humanitarian.
During an interview with Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun in August, PM Modi said India’s position on the conflict had been appreciated by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” he said.
PM Modi said both leaders had spoken to him and shared their perspectives on developments related to the conflict.
“I reiterated India’s principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” he said.
Responding to a question on India’s role in peace efforts, PM Modi said New Delhi was willing to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
“I have already indicated India’s willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s relations with both sides, saying they could help strengthen efforts towards an early and lasting peace.
“I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi and President Putin most recently met in September on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, including closer trade ties and implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030, besides cooperation in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.
-ANI
