During a two-day official visit to Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a fervent appeal to President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for over two years.
In an informal setting at Putin’s official residence in Moscow, PM Modi emphasised the futility of resolving the conflict through warfare. “Bharat has always called for respecting the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward,” he reportedly told Putin during their dinner.
Additionally, PM Modi voiced concerns about Indian nationals who were misled by dishonest travel agents into joining the Russian military. Sources indicate that Russia has pledged to repatriate all affected individuals.
Nearly two dozen Indians were allegedly coerced into fighting against Ukraine after being deceived with promises of high-paying jobs. A viral video earlier this year featured men from Punjab and Haryana, dressed in army uniforms, claiming they were tricked into fighting and pleading for assistance.
This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Russia since the country initiated its campaign in Ukraine and since he secured a third term in office last month. Throughout the conflict, Bharat has refrained from explicitly condemning Russia and has abstained from UN resolutions critical of Moscow.
The dinner marked the 16th meeting between PM Modi and President Putin over the past decade, with their most recent interaction taking place at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022.
In 2019, Russia honoured PM Modi with its highest State award, the ‘Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.’
Following his Russian visit, PM Modi is set to make a historic trip to Austria, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
