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The recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, brought to the forefront India's unwavering stance on peaceful conflict resolution, particularly concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This encounter, marked by a warm embrace between the two leaders, highlighted India's commitment to fostering dialogue and diplomacy as the primary avenues for resolving international disputes.
Modi's message to Putin was clear and resolute: India believes in peaceful solutions to conflicts. This statement underscores India's long-standing foreign policy principle of non-alignment, a doctrine that emphasizes neutrality and peaceful coexistence among nations. While India has maintained a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. This approach has been evident in India's refrain from taking sides in the conflict and its continued engagement with both Russia and Ukraine.
The BRICS Summit, an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, provided a platform for Modi to reiterate India's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. The summit's focus on economic cooperation and global issues presented an opportunity for Modi to engage with Putin on the Russia-Ukraine war and to advocate for a diplomatic solution. The summit's concluding 'Kazan Declaration' is expected to include the formal addition of five new BRICS members, signifying the group's growing global influence and its potential role in shaping the international landscape.
Modi's visit to Russia this year marks his second engagement with Putin, following his participation in the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July. The previous summit underscored the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia, characterized by close political and military ties. Modi's receipt of Russia's highest civilian award, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, during his July visit further solidified the strong bonds between the two nations. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has inevitably cast a shadow on this relationship, creating a complex dynamic that India has navigated with care.
Source: In Meet With Putin, PM Modi's Push For Peaceful Solution To Ukraine War