India and Russia reviewed the entire gamut of their ties on Friday during the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
It was the first meeting between the two leaders since the Ukraine conflict started in February and Modi reportedly said, “It is no more an era of war.”
“We spoke on the phone several times about India-Russia bilateral relations and on various issues. We should find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security and fertilizers. I want to thank Russia and Ukraine for helping us to evacuate our students from Ukraine,” Modi said.
Responding to Modi, Putin said he knew about India’s position and its concerns on the conflict in Ukraine. “We want all of this to end as soon as possible. We will keep you abreast of what is happening there,” Putin said.
India, so far, has refrained from voting against Russia in the UN and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding its military action in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the SCO summit during which they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in diverse sectors.
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the two leaders had “useful discussions” during the meeting.
Modi also held bilateral meetings with Uzbek President Mirziyoyev and Iranian President Raisi.
