PM Modi, Putin hold bilateral meeting: 'Welcome all efforts for peace in Ukraine'

After the plenary session, PM Modi and Putin travelled to the venue of their bilateral meeting together. "After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful," PM Modi said on X. (Image: X/@narendramodi)

During his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said their interactions are “always memorable".

"We get an opportunity to exchange information on many things. We have been in constant touch. There have been many high-level meetings between the two sides on a regular basis. 140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting for you for our 23rd summit in December this year. This reflects the depth and breadth of the special and privileged partnership..." said PM Modi.

He said  India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult situations. "Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity...," he said.

PM Modi said the two sides have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will move forward constructively. A way has to be found to end the conflict as soon as possible and establish lasting peace. This is the call of the entire humanity," said PM Modi.

Putin also said he was "very happy" to meet PM Modi. "We enjoy a multi-faceted relationship...Today's meeting is expected to provide a significant boost to the India-Russia relationship. Russia and India enjoy very good relations...," he said.

The Russina leader also said  both the nations have raised their voice together in international organisations, be it the UN or BRICS. "This meeting today will further strengthen our path together. Russia and India share a trustworthy partnership, and it is developing further. It is beyond any politics; people support this relationship," said Putin.

The Prime Minister first spoke to Putin on August 8, urging an end to the war with Ukraine. He then spoke to Zelenskyy on August 11 with the same message. The current conflict in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, when Russian military forces entered the country from Belarus, Russia and Crimea.

The talks between the two leaders come as India and Russia look to strengthen their bilateral relationship amid US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

PM Modi, in his address at the SCO,  also stressed the need to boost connectivity between the members to boost trade.