Sipu Jha
PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in Delhi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks on Friday, the second and final day of the Russian leader’s two-day state visit — his first trip to India since December 2021 and his first since the Ukraine war erupted in February 2022.Click here for live updatesThe visit is part of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, with several other engagements also on the agenda.Putin arrived in Delhi on Thursday evening, with PM Modi breaking protocol to receive him at Palam airport. The two leaders then proceeded to the prime minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg for a private dinner.Here are top developments from day 2 of Putin’s visit:
- During the talks at Hyderabad House, PM Modi told President Putin that India is not “neutral” on Ukraine war. “Whenever I had an interaction with the world leaders, in detailed discussions, I always said that India is not neutral. India has a side and that side is of peace. We support all efforts for peace and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all efforts for peace,” PM Modi said.
- The prime minister emphasised that the two leaders have remained in continuous contact throughout the Ukraine crisis. “As a true friend, you kept us informed at every step. I believe that trust is a great strength,” he remarked.
- The PM further expressed optimism that the world would soon be freed of “worries,” saying, “From Covid till date, the world has gone through several crises. We hope that very soon, the world will be freed of worries and a new hope will rise for the global community in the right direction.”
- Putin briefed PM Modi on ongoing efforts to end the war, saying Russia and several of its partners were working toward a “possible peaceful settlement.” “Thank you for your attention to finding solutions to this situation. Our ties are deeply rooted in history, but it is not the words that matter — it is the substance, which is very profound. We truly appreciate that, and the fact that you, as prime minister, give this your personal attention,” he added.
- The Russian leader also pointed to the work done over the past years to develop the India-Russia relationship, particularly in the fields of space exploration and artificial intelligence.
- From India’s side, besides the PM, the meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, the PM’s principal secretary Shaktikanta Das, and other top officials.
- Earlier on day 2, Putin was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was accorded tri-service guard of honour.
- He also visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and left remarks in the visitors’ book.
- A dinner has been organised for him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after which he is scheduled to depart for Moscow around 9:30 pm.
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