A true friend is one who is trustworthy and loyal, someone who not just applauds your strengths but also gently points to your weaknesses. Prime Minister Modi, on this front, has not swayed. Reminding President Vladimir Putin once more that the battlefield does not pave a path to peace. Moreover, Putin acknowledged PM Modi's advice, appreciating India's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine crisis.
The bilateral dialogue between India and Russia has been ongoing for 25 years. We have met 22 times, but perhaps this meeting drew global attention like never before. The world is keen to decode the nuances of my visit.
The world's eyes are fixated on PM Modi and President Putin’s summit. Especially the NATO nations opposing Russia, who are gathered in America for a meeting. The world is eager to see what message PM Modi, after his third electoral victory, delivers to President Putin on Ukraine. Only PM Modi possesses the courage to offer a peace formula in the presence of Putin.
It's a message that only PM Modi could deliver...
Such was the tenacity of PM Modi, reminding the Russian leader that this is not an era of war. On his arrival to Russia post his third term as Prime Minister, Modi stated boldly that solutions do not emerge on the battlefield. In the midst of bombs and gunfire, peaceful negotiations don't succeed, and we must embrace peace through dialogue.
Responding to this, Putin expressed gratitude for India's efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis. PM Modi assured Putin of India's readiness to support the restoration of peace. The positive conversation instilled hope in me for peace.
PM Modi broached these topics at a time when Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine. 40 missiles were fired on various cities, including a children's hospital. This sparked worldwide condemnation of Russia. PM Modi presented India's stand on the matter to Putin.
PM Modi Receives Russia's Topmost Honor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Russia's highest civilian honor, the 'Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle', by President Putin. Following the honor, PM Modi stated that it represented the pride of 1.4 billion Indians.
The intense two-hour summit discussion between PM Modi and Putin set a target of $100 billion in trade by 2030. PM Modi also raised the issue of Indians recruited in the Russian military, a matter that Russia assured will be promptly addressed.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra remarked on the uncertainty regarding the exact number of Indians recruited into the Russian forces. We believe the number was between 35 to 50, of which 10 have already returned. PM Modi emphasized this issue significantly, and swift action is anticipated.
While the ties between India and Russia strengthen, the United States is troubled by the dynamics. Prior to PM Modi and Putin's meeting, the US released statements centered around Ukraine. However, PM Modi has shown that India will not forsake its friendship with Russia.
World Benefits from India-Russia Friendship
Since the onset of the Ukraine war, India has been pressured to distance itself from Russia but has consistently refused, opting to purchase oil at a lower cost from Russia, thus rejecting American pressure. India's move, though criticized, is now regarded as having saved the world from a deep recession.
The fuel agreement between India and Russia helped stabilize global prices.
Source: aajtak
Key Focus Areas Discussed
During PM Modi’s high-profile two-day visit to Moscow, agreements were made in multiple sectors including trade, climate, and research. The accessibility and balance in bilateral trade is to be increased, hoping to reach over $100 billion in mutual trade by 2030.
Key areas of focus included the development of bilateral trade related to non-tariff barriers, using national currencies for bilateral settlements, enhancing digital financial instruments, and initiating new routes for increased cargo business through the North-South International Transport Corridor, Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime line.
The dialogue also covered enhancing cooperation in nuclear energy, refining and petrochemical sectors, promoting partnership in energy infrastructure and technology fields, and strengthening negotiations for development in infrastructure, transport engineering, automobile production, shipbuilding, space, and other industrial sectors.
Consensus was reached on intensifying dialogue in digital economy, science and research, educational exchanges, and investment in high-tech company internships, with the aim of building new subsidiaries to facilitate entry into each other's markets.
The discussion also addressed terrorism, with PM Modi asserting the threat it poses to every country. He praised the oil and diesel deal with Russia during the pandemic and expressed gratitude for the cooperation which shielded Indian citizens from inflation. Moreover, Putin invited PM Modi to the BRICS summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22-24 in Russia.
G20 Summit Successfully Hosted by India
PM Modi emphasized the respectful dialogue on Ukraine, highlighting India's successful hosting of the G20 summit. He stated that the world and humanity seek peace, deeming the conflict's impact on innocent lives as heartbreaking. Their conversation was structured, focusing on the harm done to humanity and expressing deep sorrow. It is vital for the young generation’s sake, to ensure peace.
Through the conflict, India was able to secure food, fuel, and fertilizers for its farmers, thanks to the committed relationship with Russia. PM Modi commended the partnership for aiding the common man with essential commodities. He expressed his appreciation for Russia's role in preventing fuel price shocks to Indian citizens—showcasing the remarkable cooperation on fuel between India and Russia.
