MOSCOW: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told Russian President Vladimir Putin that “war cannot solve problems” and urged peace on a visit to Moscow over two years into the Ukraine offensive.
During his first trip to Russia since the onset of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, Modi met with Putin amid heightened international tensions over Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Modi conveyed his stance on peace to Putin, stressing that “war cannot solve problems.” The leaders engaged in extensive discussions covering a range of issues, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Modi expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to openly exchange views on the matter with Putin.
“When innocent children are killed, witnessing their deaths is heart-wrenching and unbearable,” Modi told Putin in remarks delivered in Hindi. “I firmly believe that solutions and peace cannot thrive amidst bombs, guns, and bullets. We must seek pathways to peace through dialogue.”
Putin acknowledged Modi’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues and his efforts towards finding peaceful resolutions to the Ukrainian crisis. “You are actively seeking ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, primarily through peaceful means,” Putin remarked.
Modi’s visit coincided with a significant escalation in hostilities in Ukraine, including a massive bombardment by Russian forces that resulted in the deaths of at least 38 persons and severe damage to a children’s hospital in Kyiv. The attack drew widespread condemnation from Western governments.
During his stay in Moscow, Modi was pictured embracing Putin at the Russian president’s country residence, which prompted strong criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky denounced the gesture on social media, labeling Putin as “the world’s most bloody criminal.”
India, while maintaining historical ties with Russia and benefiting from economic transactions, has faced challenges navigating its relationship amidst Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The conflict has also impacted India directly, with reports of Indian citizens involved in support roles for Russian military operations in Ukraine.
