In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Narendra Modi said:
"From COVID till date, the world has gone through several crises. We hope that very soon, the world will be freed of worries and a new hope will rise for the global community in the right direction."
"You showed as a visionary leader way back in 2001," - Modi tells Putin
"We two have been talking to each other constantly after the Ukraine crisis. From time to time you kept updating me about the issues and developments. I think this trust is itself a big source of strength," the Prime Minister told the visiting dignitary.
"Should work together and pave way for peace": PM Modi in bilateral talks
India not neutral, it is on side of peace: PM Modi to Putin on Ukraine conflict
Putin accorded ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Russian President was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday ahead of crucial summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Russian President Putin said:
"First of all, thank you very much for inviting me...I could share a great deal of details about the events taking place in Ukraine. We are taking together with some partners, including the US, on a possible peaceful statement.
Thank you for the attention in finding solutions for this situation.
Our ways are deeply rooted in history, but it is not the words that matter; it is the substance of the matter, which is very profound. We really appreciate that and the fact that you, as PM, take special personal attention to that."
The increasingly close, “no-limits partnership” between Moscow and Beijing has reasons to make India concerned.
New Delhi is keen to find a way to “prevent Russia from ever getting too close to China and ensure it can count on Moscow to put some pressure on the Chinese”.
It has also prompted India to try to move away from its dependence on Russia, particularly on defence.
For decades, about 70% of Indian defence purchases came from Russia but in the past four years, this has reduced to less than 40%.
The sale of weapons and planes – in particular Russian S-400 air defence systems and the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft – will probably be a key component of Modi and Putin’s talks.
India will also try to strike a balance;
-- keep purchasing enough Russia weapons to retain the alliance,
but
not be so dependent that if Russia suddenly cut off supplies under China’s pressure.
President Putin offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, honouring Bapu’s legacy and teachings.
Mahatma Gandhi had several connections with Russia which form part of the shared history of our two countries.
ends
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