New Delhi: Not for the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday nudged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war during their bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
Modi and met Putin, who met for the second time in less than a fortnight – following their discussions on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek on August 31 –reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged notes on global and regional issues, reported HT.
The PM reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts, and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts, the External Affairs Ministry said.
“Conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region which have impacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers” figured in their talks.
Attacks on ships in the Black Sea in recent weeks have led to the death of at least five Indian seafarers.
New Delhi registered protests with Russia and Ukraine over these “unacceptable” fatal incidents.
During their meeting in Bishkek too, Modi had said that “endless war must give way to end of war”.
India and Russia have reportedly set a target to expand bilateral trade from the existing $60 billion to $100 billion by 2030.
Modi and Putin visited Russia’s international industrial exhibition Innoprom India, being held for the first time at Bharat Mandapam.
“Delighted to meet President Putin in Delhi, less than two weeks after our meeting in Bishkek. During today’s meeting we talked about: Closer trade ties, including implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030. Cooperation in areas like infrastructure, energy, technology, defence, culture and more. India’s efforts during our BRICS Presidency aimed at furthering the welfare of our planet,” Modi posted on X, sharing pictures of his engagement with the Russian President.
Modi accepted Putin’s invitation to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia annual summit, the dates for which will be decided soon.