Putin credits Modi with ‘very good ideas’ to end Ukraine war
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Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained push for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict, saying the Indian leader has consistently raised the issue in their meetings and put forward “very good ideas” aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow on Thursday, Putin described his ties with Modi as “very good, even friendly” but noted that the Prime Minister nevertheless keeps pressing for an end to the war. “He is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly, relations, and very good personal ties, constantly raises questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said. “He always raises these issues at every meeting with us. He is keenly interested, and he has very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions.”
The Russian President said Modi adopts a neutral stance but remains deeply interested in bringing the conflict to a close. “In this sense, the Prime Minister certainly takes a neutral position, but he is interested in ending the conflict. I simply consider it my duty to state this frankly,” he added. Expressing gratitude, Putin said: “We are grateful to the Prime Minister for his ideas — I won’t go into details now — for his commitment to ending this conflict, including peacefully and as quickly as possible.”
Modi last met Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi last month, where he reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward to resolve ongoing conflicts. During their talks, the two leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. Modi once again affirmed that India stands ready to assist in peace efforts.
Earlier, in August, during a meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Modi had stressed that it is essential for the well-being of humanity to move from an “endless war” towards an end to the war. “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 had told Putin.
(Inputs from IANS)