New Delhi: Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss many issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During their discussions in Moscow yesterday, President Vladimir Putin warmly welcomed the opportunity to continue his thoughtful dialog with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The leaders have maintained close communication on peacefully resolving this sensitive matter and share the priority of de-escalation through diplomatic channels.
President Putin extended his warm invitation for Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia in the coming year, expressing his desire to delve more deeply into collaborative efforts. In his remarks to Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently undertaking high-level meetings in Moscow, President Putin emphasized that further intensified cooperation between India and Russia is paramount.
“Many times I advised him (PM Modi) on how things are going there (Ukraine) and I know he is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So we will delve into that deeper now and we will give additional information to you,” Mr Putin said during the meeting with Mr Jaishankar.
Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023
Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of… pic.twitter.com/iuC944fYHq
Foreign Minister Jaishankar concurred on the important responsibility of influential global stakeholders like India and Russia to exhaust all options for de-escalating tensions and achieving an equitable settlement. He reaffirmed India’s principled stance of non-involvement in disputes between other nations and its preference for diplomacy over conflict.
Meanwhile, Minister Jaishankar’s important discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior officials centered on further bolstering the enduring strategic relationship between the two nations. Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation across critical areas including trade, energy, defense procurement, and more.
Prime Minister Modi’s forthcoming visit to Moscow promises insightful dialogue between the leaders on pressing international issues and novel avenues for collaboration. It is hoped that through deepened engagement, tangible progress can be made toward President Putin’s goal of intensifying global diplomacy to end this protracted war.
