Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Moscow this July. AFP File Photo
On the eve of the BRICS summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin his desire for peace in Ukraine, emphasizing New Delhi's readiness to assist in achieving a truce to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Putin, who ordered tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, aims to use the BRICS summit to highlight the growing influence of the non-Western world, following efforts by the United States and its European and Asian allies to isolate Russia over the war.
Russia is anticipating the attendance of 22 leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping who arrived on Tuesday, at the summit of the BRICS nations, which collectively represent 45% of the world's population and 35% of the global economy. Despite being branded a war criminal by the West, Putin expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for accepting the invitation to visit Kazan, a city on the banks of the Volga, and highlighted the "privileged strategic partnership" shared by Russia and India.
Modi thanked Putin for his "strong friendship," commended the growing cooperation and the evolution of BRICS, but also emphasized that India believes the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved peacefully. "We have been in constant touch on the subject of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine," Modi said. "We believe that problems should be resolved only through peaceful means." He added, "We fully support the early restoration of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible support in the times to come," indicating that he would discuss these issues with Putin.
The BRICS summit coincides with global finance chiefs meeting in Washington, amidst ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, a slowing Chinese economy, and concerns that the US presidential election could spark new trade battles. With BRICS expanding and a waiting list of potential members, there is concern among some that expansion could make the group unwieldy.
When asked by BRICS reporters about the prospects for peace, Putin stated that Moscow would not trade away the four regions of eastern Ukraine it claims as part of Russia and that it seeks its long-term security interests to be considered in Europe. Two Russian sources indicated that while there is increasing talk in Moscow of a possible ceasefire agreement, there is no concrete plan yet, and the world is awaiting the outcome of the November 5 US presidential election.
Russia, which is advancing, currently controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, around 80% of the Donbas region, and over 70% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Putin noted that the West has now recognized Russia's inevitable victory but expressed openness to talks based on draft ceasefire agreements reached in Istanbul in April 2022.
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