NEW DELHI, Dec 5: PM Modi Pledges Full Support for Ukraine Peace Push, Assures Putin of India’s Solidarity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly endorsed recent initiatives to resolve the Ukraine war, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that India stands united in every diplomatic push for a fair resolution.
The annual summit discussions prominently addressed Ukraine amid efforts to strengthen the enduring India-Russia partnership, resilient despite global geopolitical strains. Modi, in opening televised comments, clarified India’s stance: “not neutral, but on the side of peace.” He highlighted ongoing exchanges since the conflict’s onset, crediting Putin’s trust as a key bond, and expressed optimism for global peace pathways.
Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to a peaceful outcome. His arrival Thursday marked his first India trip in four years—and since Ukraine’s 2022 invasion—with Modi greeting him warmly at Palam airport, followed by a private dinner that shaped Friday’s 23rd summit agenda.
Talks prioritize defense collaboration, trade safeguards from outside influences, and small modular reactors. Amid cooling India-US ties, outcomes include pacts on Indian worker mobility to Russia and defense logistics, plus boosts in pharma, agri, food, and consumer exports to address the $65 billion vs. $5 billion trade imbalance. Fertilizer cooperation (3-4 million tonnes yearly from Russia) and a potential Eurasian Economic Union FTA are also on the table.
