'India Is Not Neutral': What PM Modi Said on Russia-Ukraine War in Front of Putin

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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is not neutral and is on the side of peace, as he addressed the issue of Russia-Ukraine war, during President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to the country. PM Modi supported all the efforts being made to end the Ukraine war and assured President Putin that India will stand by Russia shoulder-to-shoulder for all peace efforts to find an amicable solution to the war.The Ukraine issue figured prominently at the annual summit talks between the two leaders that is aimed at further shoring up a nearly eight-decade bilateral partnership that remained in firm footing notwithstanding fractious geopolitical environment and tensions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ICuusptS6o

In his televised opening remarks at the summit, Modi said India is not neutral as it is on the side of peace to end the Ukraine conflict."We have been holding discussions following the start of the Ukraine conflict. As a close friend, you have been regularly apprising us on the situation. I think trust is a major strength," Modi said."We all should find the path of peace. I am aware of the latest efforts and I am confident that the world will turn to peace," he said."I have always said that India is not neutral, India has a side and that side is peace. We support all peace efforts and we are standing shoulder-to-shoulder in all peace efforts," he said.

What Vladimir Putin Said on Ukraine War

On his part, the Russian president said Moscow is working towards a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Putin Gets Red Carpet Welcome in India

Putin was accorded a red carpet welcome on Thursday evening on his first visit to India in four years. It is also his first trip to India since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GumnJx4iRJw

PM Modi personally received the Russian leader with a hug at the Palam airport before travelling together in a white SUV to the prime minister's official residence for a private dinner.The conversation between the two leaders over dinner is known to have set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks that is expected to produce a number of tangible outcomes to further broadbase the time-tested relationship.The Russian leader's visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of rapid downturn in India-US relations.