Modi Tells Putin World Must Move From ‘Endless War’ to End of Ukraine Conflict
Bishkek — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India’s support for efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that the world must move from an “endless war” toward an end to the conflict.
Modi made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek.
“As you know, India supports all efforts towards peace and will continue to do so. Every day spent in war pushes humanity backwards, while every step taken towards peace fills humanity with a new hope and enthusiasm,” Modi said.
“We must move from an endless war towards an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity,” he added.
Modi said he and Putin had previously discussed the situation in Ukraine and noted that the Russian president had briefed him in detail about the conflict during their last meeting.
Calling peace a “call of humanity,” Modi said India’s position has consistently been that disputes should be resolved peacefully and as quickly as possible.
“The land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha has one message: to follow the path of peace,” Modi said.
The prime minister also said India was looking forward to welcoming Putin and the Russian delegation to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi next month.
“Your visit will further strengthen our bilateral relations and also enhance dialogue and cooperation within BRICS,” Modi said.
The meeting came days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Moscow and delivered a personal message from Modi to Putin on Aug. 24.
Jaishankar said he briefed Putin on discussions held during the 27th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation and also discussed regional and global issues.
According to the Kremlin, Putin told Jaishankar that Russia and India continued to cooperate across government, parliamentary and economic channels. He also said bilateral trade had increased this year.
Putin highlighted cooperation in energy, fertilizer supplies, nuclear power and high-technology industries, while Jaishankar described the economic relationship between the two countries as strong and expanding. (Source: IANS)
