Modi Tells Putin It’s Not An Era Of War; Russian Prez Extends Advance Birthday Wish To Indian PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up the issue of Russia’s Ukraine invasion during his meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Friday, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

In the first physical meeting between the two leaders since Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24, Modi told Putin that it’s no more an era of war and raised food, fertiliser and fuel security among major global concerns, Hindustan Times reported.

“I know that today’s era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this,” Modi told Putin.

Indian government has made it clear from the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war that it wabts the crisis to be resolved through dialogue.

Putin acknowledged Modi’s concerns, and also extended him birthday greetings a day in advance.

“I know about your position on the conflict in Ukraine, and I know about your concerns. We want all of this to end as soon as possible. We will keep you abreast of what is happening there,” Putin was quoted as saying.

Calling Modi a “dear friend”, Putin said he is aware that the Indian PM is “about to celebrate” his birthday.

“As per Russian tradition, we never offer congratulations in advance, so I cannot do that right now. But I would like you to know that we know about, and we wish you all the best, we wish all the best to friendly Indian nation, and we wish prosperity to India,” Putin told Modi.