Kazan/New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the bond between India and Russia is deep-rooted, even as he reiterated New Delhi's offer of help in helping to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
In a post on X after holding bilateral talks with President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, PM Modi said their talks focused on how to add more vigour to the partnership.
“Had an excellent meeting with President Putin. The bond between India and Russia is deep-rooted. Our talks focussed on how to add even more vigour to our bilateral partnership across diverse sectors.”
In his opening remarks at the bilateral meet, the Prime Minister Modi said that the two leaders have been in close touch over the conflict in Ukraine.
“And as I have said before, it is our belief that resolution to conflicts can be found only through peaceful means. We support the return to peace and stability as fast as possible. And all our efforts give primacy to the humanitarian aspect. In the coming days too, India is ready to provide every kind of support (for resolution of the conflict),” the PM said, reiterating what he had said during the July bilateral with President Putin.
Earlier in his remarks, PM Modi said he is happy that Kazan has been chosen for the BRICS Summit, and added that India’s opening a new consulate in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan region of Russia, will strengthen the ties further.
He remarked that it is his second visit to Russia in the past three months, which highlights the close ties between India and Russia. “Our annual summit in July has given strength to our bilateral ties in every way.”
He congratulated the Russian President for the successful handling of the BRICS chairmanship over the past year, and added that in the past 15 years BRICS has established its own standing in the world as now more countries are eager to join the grouping. “I am eager to participate in the summit,” he added.
“Today is another opportunity during our talks to discuss the above topics,” the PM said.
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“The PM arrived in Kazan on a two-day visit to attend the 16th BRICS summit.
PM @narendramodi met President Putin today in Kazan on the margins of the 16th #BRICS2024 Summit.
“PM appreciated the Russian Chairmanship of BRICS and conveyed his best wishes for the success of the Summit.
“The two leaders reviewed entire spectrum of India-Russia relationship with special focus on the progress on the decisions taken during their last meeting in Moscow in July 2024. They also shared perspectives on regional and global issues including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.”
Earlier, President Putin warmly welcomed PM Modi to the venue of the meeting, as both leaders exchanged a warm handshake and embrace.
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