Diplomacy, not war, Modi tells Putin
The world knows that Indo-Russia relationship is unbreakable, Modi said
SCO Summit Sep 2022; pic- GoI
PM Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that this is not the time for war, and diplomacy should instead be used to find solutions.
Russia has been fighting a war with Ukraine for over six months now over attempts by Europe to strengthen it against Russia. This is the first time Modi and Putin have met in public and the former denounced Russia’s decision to go to war.
Incidentally, in recent days, Ukraine has claimed that it has recaptured about 2,000 km of land taken by the Russian army. India has taken a balanced stand between the two countries, which has been a unique form of diplomacy so far – supporting Ukraine against the war, while also supporting Russia by not joining the economic sanctions imposed by the West.
This likely helped the safe evacuation of several Indians trapped in the war zone and purchase oil from Russia at discounted rates while prices rose sharply elsewhere. Importantly, it has also deterred China from provoking a war with India amid Taiwan and other internal tensions. Modi hasn’t met Xi Jinping so far.
In the unexpectedly cordial meeting at the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Summit in Uzbekistan, Modi said, “I know that today’s era is not of war and we have spoken to you many times on the phone that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue are such things that touch the world.”
“Today we will get a chance to discuss how we can move forward on the path of peace in the coming days. I will also get an opportunity to understand your view point,” he added.
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