New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated India’s commitment to peace in his opening remarks at the bilateral summit with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi, saying India is not neutral but stands on the side of peace.
Welcoming Putin’s “very historic” visit and calling him “my friend,” Modi said India supports a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He noted that since the crisis began, the two leaders have been in constant discussion and that Putin, “like a true friend,” has kept him informed of developments.
“Trust is a great strength,” Modi said, adding that he has discussed the matter with Putin many times and presented India’s position before the world. “The welfare of nations lies in the path of peace. Together, we will lead the world towards that path. I am fully confident that with the efforts being made in recent days, the world will once again return to the direction of peace,” he said.
Modi emphasized that in talks with global leaders he has made clear that India is not neutral but has a clear position: for peace. “We support every effort toward peace. India is on the side of peace and the world should return to peace,” he said. He also remarked that “Russia is working on a peaceful settlement with Ukraine” and that the world will benefit if nations pursue the path of peace.
On the bilateral engagement, Modi said the summit was progressing with several outcomes and noted that this year marks 25 years since Putin’s first visit to India, which laid the foundation for a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday; Modi broke protocol to welcome him on the tarmac and greeted him with a hug. The leaders shared a car to the Prime Minister’s residence, where Putin was presented with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. Putin is set to attend an India-Russia business forum, launch the RT channel in India, and attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu before departing later in the day. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
