New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated his message of “peace,” asserting that India is not neutral but stands for peace in his opening remarks at the bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the national capital.
Welcoming the “very historic” visit of Putin, whom he called “my friend,” PM Modi said that India “supports a peaceful resolution” of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The bilateral talks took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. In his opening televised address, PM Modi praised Putin’s leadership and said that the Russian president has kept him updated on developments in Ukraine “like a true friend” since the beginning of the crisis. “Since the Ukraine crisis began, we have been in constant dialogue,” the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi said,
“From time to time, you, like a true friend, have kept us informed of everything. I believe that trust is a great strength, and I have discussed this matter with you many times and have also put it before the world. The well-being of nations lies in the path of peace. Together, we will lead the world on that path. I am confident that the efforts being made in recent times will once again return the world to peace.” PM Modi further said, “In recent times, whenever I have spoken to leaders of the global community and discussed this issue in detail, I have always said that India is not neutral. India has a clear stand, and that stand is for peace. We support every effort for peace.”
PM Modi said, “India is in favor of peace and the world should return to peace.” “Russia is working on a peaceful settlement with Ukraine. The world will only benefit if we follow the path of peace.”
Speaking about the bilateral summit, PM Modi said, “Today our summit is moving forward with many results. Excellency, your visit is very historic. This year marks 25 years since your first visit to India. It was during your first visit that the foundation of the strategic partnership between our two countries was laid. I am delighted that our relationship is also completing 25 years.”
Putin arrived in the national capital, New Delhi, on Thursday, and PM Modi broke protocol to welcome him on the tarmac. Upon arriving at Palam Airport, PM Modi greeted Putin with a hug. In a post on X, Modi said that the “friendship” between the two leaders is “time-tested” and that he is very happy to welcome Putin back to India after four years. The two leaders traveled in the same car to Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the holy Bhagavad Gita.
Putin will also attend the India-Russia Business Forum and launch the RT channel in India before attending a banquet hosted in his honor by President Murmu. He is scheduled to leave the country later this evening.
