Putin says Modi has good ideas to end Russia-Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin openly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Russia-Ukraine conflict at an event on Thursday. Putin said Modi is a global leader who wants to see the conflict end as soon as possible. According to Putin, Modi also has some very useful and practical ideas for this.

Putin said India's ties with Russia are very strong and friendly, yet Modi has consistently raised the point that the war should stop and the path of dialogue should be adopted. Putin expressed confidence that tension between the two countries could be reduced and a solution found that is acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. India has taken a neutral but responsible stand on the conflict.

Since the war began, Modi has given a clear message on the world stage that this is not an era of war. He has spoken from time to time to the heads of both Russia and Ukraine and appealed to them to stop the violence and take the path of diplomacy.

In an interview to Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun in August, Modi had repeated India's stand. He had said India's role in the conflict is not that of a mere spectator. India's approach is based on principles and is entirely humanitarian.

India has good diplomatic and historical ties with both Russia and Ukraine. For this reason, without leaning towards either side, India can act as a trusted link in bringing both countries to the negotiating table. India is always ready to offer every possible help for a swift and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Modi and Putin held a bilateral meeting during the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi in September. The high-level meeting discussed not only regional and global peace but also, in detail, the India-Russia Economic Cooperation 2030 programme.

The two leaders had stressed strengthening ties further in key areas such as trade, infrastructure development, energy partnership, modern technology, defence and cultural exchange. Thanking Modi for his stand on global peace, Putin said once again that this aspect of India-Russia friendship is very valuable for international stability.