In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin today during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. The leaders exchanged a warm embrace and discussed India’s stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions.
PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to dialogue, stating, “We have been in touch with all sides involved in the Russia-Ukraine issue. Our position remains that conflicts can be resolved through conversation. India is always ready to help bring peace.”
The BRICS Summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is witnessing an expansion, with plans to officially welcome five new member countries under a forthcoming “Kazan Declaration.” Modi expressed pride in the group’s growth, noting the increasing interest from other nations to join.
This visit marks PM Modi’s second trip to Russia this year, following a bilateral meeting in Moscow in July, where he was awarded the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s highest civilian honor. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ “special and privileged strategic partnership,” with Putin noting the ongoing development of Russian-Indian relations.
India remains a key buyer of Russian oil, which has drawn scrutiny from Western nations. While the U.S. and its allies support Ukraine and seek to penalize Russia economically, India maintains that it will procure oil wherever it can secure favorable terms for its citizens.
The BRICS Summit serves as a platform for Russia to showcase its diplomatic resilience amid Western attempts to isolate it over the Ukraine conflict. Political analysts suggest that the gathering of BRICS leaders signals that Russia is not alone in the global arena, as it continues to strengthen ties with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
In a world increasingly marked by geopolitical tension, the Kremlin aims to illustrate a “multipolar world” that counters Western dominance. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the messages from Modi and Putin underscore a shared vision for peace and cooperation among nations.
