International
oi-Ashish Rana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin on Monday delivering a renewed message for peace, while saying the world must move from “endless wars” towards the “end of the war”. The remarks came at the time bilateral meeting on the sidelines on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. His remark becomes important at the time of Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to shape global diplomacy and economic relations.
At the SCO summit in Bishkek, PM Modi urged Russian President Putin to prioritize peace and end the Ukraine conflict, reiterating India’s support for dialogue. The leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation and the shared goal of increasing trade volume to $100 billion by 2030.
PM Modi Calls For End To Ukraine War
PM Modi has also said India has consistently discussed the Ukraine-Russia conflict with President Vladimir Putin and India’s support for efforts for achieving peace.
“We have consistently discussed the issue of Ukraine. When we met previously, you briefed me in detail on all aspects of the matter. As you know, India supports all efforts towards peace and will continue to do so. Every day spent in war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm. We must move away from endless wars towards an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity. A peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest is the call of humanity, and this is India’s message. The land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message: the path of peace. Today, I look forward to discussing these matters with you,” PM Modi said.
India has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward on Ukraine while continuing its longstanding strategic relationship with Russia.
Modi, Putin Discuss India-Russia Ties
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral cooperation, with Modi stressing that national interest remains the “topmost priority” for both countries.
Modi recalled Putin’s previous visit to India and said economic ties had gained strength. He also invited the Russian president to the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, saying his visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
Putin said trade and economic cooperation were showing positive trends and that bilateral trade turnover had increased by more than 2%. He also credited Modi’s personal attention for the strengthening relationship.
Trade Target And FTA Talks
India and Russia are working towards increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Their economic agenda includes greater investment, skilled manpower, connectivity and diversification of trade.
Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union are also progressing. Russian officials recently described the talks as being in an advanced or active phase.
