Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday the profound sorrow caused by the loss of innocent children, a sentiment echoed following a devastating attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv. Modi's comments were made during a public meeting with Putin at the Kremlin. Ukraine has reported finding remnants of a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile at the site of the hospital, which was targeted on Monday amidst a series of Russian assaults that resulted in at least 41 casualties nationwide. Russia, without presenting any evidence, attributed the incident to a Ukrainian anti-missile system. Modi emphasized to Putin the deep anguish caused by the deaths of innocent children in any war, conflict, or terrorist act, and reiterated that the resolution to the conflict in Ukraine should not be sought on the battlefield but rather through peaceful negotiations. Putin, addressing Modi before his remarks, acknowledged the special strategic partnership between their countries and expressed gratitude for Modi's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the war. He welcomed Modi to the Kremlin for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, coinciding with concerns raised by the United States regarding India's relationship with Moscow. Putin described their relationship as a 'particularly privileged strategic partnership' and thanked Modi for his focus on addressing critical issues, particularly the search for peaceful solutions to the Ukrainian crisis. India has emerged as a significant partner for Russia, which is under sanctions and pivoting its trade away from the West, aiming to show that Western isolation efforts have been ineffective. India has abstained from criticizing Russia over the conflict and has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil, while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine-Russia dispute.
Text: Lara Palmer
09.07.2024
Indian PM Modi urges peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict during Kremlin meeting with Putin