Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday delivered a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that India is not neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict but firmly stands on the side of peace. The statement came during high-level bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking Putin's first visit to India since the war began in February 2022.
A Historic Visit and a Clear Stance on Peace
Addressing President Putin directly, Prime Minister Modi outlined India's consistent position. "After the Ukraine crisis, we have been in touch…you have also been making us aware of the developments as a true friend," Modi said, acknowledging the open channels of communication. He emphasized that this trust is a significant strength in their relationship.
Modi firmly articulated India's diplomatic posture to the global community. "In the last few days, whenever I have spoken to world leaders, I have always told them that India is not neutral, India is on the side of peace; we support all efforts towards peace. And we stand shoulder to shoulder in these peace efforts," he declared, with the Russian President seated beside him.
This visit is notably Putin's first to India since the onset of the Ukraine war. His last trip was in December 2021. The Indian Prime Minister accorded a rare personal welcome to Putin at the airport on Thursday evening, a gesture extended to only a handful of world leaders during Modi's tenure.
Celebrating 25 Years of Strategic Partnership
Beyond the discussions on Ukraine, the meeting served as a milestone to commemorate the long-standing ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi praised President Putin for his visionary role in establishing the strategic partnership with India in 2000, during Putin's first presidential visit where he met then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Describing the current visit as "very historic," Modi noted, "When you took over in 2000, your first visit took place to India, and it has been 25 years since. And in your first visit itself, the foundation for a strategic partnership was laid." He fondly recalled his own visit to Russia in 2001 as part of the Indian delegation with PM Vajpayee, highlighting his personal 25-year association with Putin.
President Putin, reflecting on their private dinner at Modi's Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Thursday, thanked the Prime Minister for his attention to finding a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. "We discussed a great deal of details about the events taking place in Ukraine, together with some partners, including the United States, on a possible peaceful settlement," Putin revealed.
He underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship, stating, "Our relations are deeply rooted in history, but it is not the past that matters. It is the substance of the matter which is very profound." During the dinner, PM Modi had gifted Putin a copy of the Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian.
Looking Ahead: Economic Ties and Global Uncertainties
Framing the discussions within the broader context of global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that the world would move in the right direction, free from worries. He confidently predicted that India-Russia economic ties would be strengthened and would "scale new heights" in the coming period.
The day's agenda for President Putin was packed with diplomatic protocol and symbolism. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he met President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi. He also paid his respects at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Following the bilateral talks, both leaders were scheduled to address the India-Russia business forum, engaging with industry leaders from both countries. The visit concluded with a state banquet hosted by President Murmu in the evening, cementing the diplomatic engagements of the two-day visit.
