India is ready to assist in bringing a peaceful resolution to the Russia- Ukraine conflict: PM Modi
AMN / WEB DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that India is ready to assist in bringing a peaceful resolution to the Russia- Ukraine conflict underlining that war will not bring any solution. During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, Mr. Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward to achieve a resolution of the conflict.
Briefing media about the meeting in Kazan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that Prime Minister Modi briefed President Putin about his engagements with the Ukrainian leadership and noted that India stood ready to contribute to bringing peace to the region. Mr. Misri said two leaders also discussed the issue related to the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian Army. He further said that the Indian embassy is pursuing around 20 cases with the Russian side currently and New Delhi is hopeful that all of the Indian nationals can be released at an early date and repatriated to India very soon.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted that the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation and agreed to hold the next meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Cooperation Group on defence cooperation in Moscow. He added that the two leaders covered a whole range of bilateral issues including trade, economy, energy, defence, connectivity, education and people-to-people. They also exchanged views on several issues concerning BRICS.
Prime Minister Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Mr. Misri informed that both leaders discussed the situation in West Asia. He added that Mr. Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India’s call for the protection of civilians. He also underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. Mr. Misri elaborated that the two leaders also held discussion on Afghanistan and underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region along with continuing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the Iranian President on his recent victory and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening the age-old bilateral ties with his country. They also held discussions on key areas of cooperation including on the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Replying to a media query, the Foreign Secretary informed that Prime Minister Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan tomorrow.