"On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to mind of every Indian is India's all-weather friend (sukh-dukh ka saathi) and a trusted ally."
India-Russia 'dosti' warm even if temperature drops below minus: PM in Moscow
In his address to the Indian diaspora in Moscow on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his "dear friend" Russian President Vladimir Putin as he said that the relationship between the two countries will always remain "warm" even if the temperature drops below minus.
Modi on Tuesday (July 9th) addressed the Indian community at a programme in Moscow during his ongoing trip to Russia.
Dressed in a white kurta-pajama, with a red - Odisha - scarf around his neck, he was given a warm reception by the Indians who chanted his name several times during the address.
"After 60 years, a government being elected for the third time in India is a very big thing in itself. Elections were also held in 4 states; Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and the NDA won in these four states with a clean sweep majority. Odisha has brought about a great revolution and that is why I have also come among you today with an Odia scarf."
"The song was once sung in every household here, 'Sir pe lal topi Russi, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani.' This song may have become old, but the sentiments are evergreen. Artists like Raj Kapoor, Mithoon Da have strengthened the friendship between India and Russia."
5. "The strength of our (India-Russia) relationship has been tested many times and every time our friendship has emerged stronger. I would especially like to appreciate the leadership of my dear friend, President Putin.
He has done a wonderful job strengthening this partnership for more than 2 decades. This is the sixth time I have come to Russia in the last 10 years and in these years we have met each other 17 times.
All these meetings have increased trust and respect. When our students were stuck in the conflict, President Putin helped us in getting them back to India. I once again thank the people of Russia and my friend, President Putin."
"Before 2014, we had sunk into the depths of despair. Today, the country is full of self-confidence and this is the biggest asset of India."
"You all must have celebrated India's T20 World Cup victory. Did you? Or did you not? Were you all proud or not? There is a real story and a road towards the World Cup triumph. Today's youth and the youth of India do not give up till the last ball and last moment.
The victory kisses those feet who are not ready to give up. The feeling is not just limited to cricket, but is also evident in other sports."
"India has always called for respecting the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward," PM Narendra Modi is believed to have told Russian President Vladimir Putin during the dinner.
"The visit underscores that India will maintain deep ties with Russia despite Washington’s efforts to woo Prime Minister Modi and isolate President Putin." - The Washington Post
Russia has agreed to discharge all Indian nationals working in its army following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during Modi's visit to Moscow.
At least two Indian citizens have lost their lives while fighting in Russia's conflict against Ukraine, and many others stuck in the war zone allege they were deceived into joining the combat.
The sources indicated that during a private dinner hosted by Vladimir Putin on Monday night, PM Narendra Modi brought up the issue. In response, Russia consented to discharge all Indians serving in their military and to assist with their return.
It was reported that according to top Indian officials fixing India's trade imbalance with Russia and securing the discharge of Indian citizens who were “misled” into fighting in the Ukraine war would be among Modi's top priorities in Moscow.
While reports have suggested that up to 200 Indian nationals had been recruited by the Russian military to serve as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, the people cited above said the number could be about 100.
However, it has been difficult for Indian authorities to establish contact with Indian nationals who are believed to be serving on the frontlines because of the frequent movement of military units and the lack of proper communications, the people said.
The External Affairs ministry had earlier urged Indian citizens to “exercise caution while seeking employment opportunities in Russia”.
Modi, visiting Moscow for the first time since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, seeks to nurture New Delhi's long-standing relationship with Moscow.
India has not condemned Russia 'explicitly' ever since and has abstained on United Nations resolutions censuring Moscow.
Congratulating PM Modi on his third term, Vladimir Putin remarked that his re-election underscores Modi's effectiveness in advancing India's interests: "The results speak for themselves; India now ranks third globally in terms of economy."
This is the 16th meet between PM Modi and President Putin in the past decade, with their last face-to-face interaction occurring at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022.
In 2019, PM Modi was honored with Russia's highest state award, the 'Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.'
Modi posted photos of his arrival in Moscow on X, in both Russian and English, saying he was “looking forward to further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our nations”.
“Stronger ties between our nations will greatly benefit our people,” he wrote, also sharing a picture of himself and Putin hugging.
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