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The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, underscored India's continued commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi conveyed to Putin that India firmly believes in peaceful solutions to conflicts, underscoring India's stance on the ongoing war. The encounter, marked by a warm embrace between the two leaders, served as a platform for diplomatic engagement and underscores the complexities of India's relationship with both Russia and Ukraine.
India's position on the conflict has been one of neutrality, seeking to balance its historical ties with Russia and its growing strategic partnership with the West. India has abstained from voting against Russia in the United Nations, while also engaging in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Modi's call for a peaceful resolution reflects India's long-held position of advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving international disputes.
The BRICS Summit itself marked a significant moment with the formal addition of five new members to the grouping. The expansion of BRICS, a forum of emerging economies, highlights the growing global influence of these nations and their collective desire to shape the international order. The Kazan Declaration, signed at the end of the summit, will solidify the expanded BRICS membership and outline the group's priorities going forward. India's role in the expanded BRICS will be key in advancing the group's agenda, particularly in promoting economic cooperation and addressing global challenges.
The summit visit was Modi's second trip to Russia this year, following his participation in the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July. During this visit, Modi was conferred with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, Russia's highest civilian award, a testament to the deep and historical ties between the two nations. The close relationship between India and Russia, characterized as a 'special and privileged strategic partnership,' has endured through time and continues to evolve, navigating the complexities of the international landscape. Despite the challenges posed by the Ukraine conflict, India and Russia have maintained their strategic partnership, with India remaining a significant customer of Russian oil and continuing to engage in various areas of bilateral cooperation.
Source: In Meet With Putin, PM Modi's Push For Peaceful Solution To Ukraine War