Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day official visit to Russia, made a direct plea to put an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which has been raging for over two years. During an informal meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the latter's official residence in Moscow, PM Modi conveyed to him that the battlefield cannot provide a solution. "India has always called for respecting the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward," PM Modi is believed to have told Putin during the dinner. Moreover, PM Modi raised concerns about Indian nationals who were deceived by unscrupulous travel agents into joining the Russian army. Sources reported that Russia has committed to repatriating all affected individuals. Nearly two dozen Indians are believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs. A viral video earlier this year showed a group of men from Punjab and Haryana - wearing army uniforms - claiming they were tricked into fighting the war in Ukraine and seeking help.

PM Modi's recent journey to Russia marks his first such visit since the country's military action in Ukraine, as well as his return to power for an unprecedented third term. Despite international censure, India has refrained from explicitly condemning Russia's conduct, abstaining from United Nations resolutions that censure Moscow. Congratulating PM Modi on his electoral triumph, Vladimir Putin acknowledged the Indian leader's effectiveness in advancing his nation's interests, noting that India now ranks third globally in economic terms. This meeting represents the 16th encounter between PM Modi and President Putin over the past decade, with their last face-to-face interaction taking place at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan's Samarkand in 2022. In 2019, PM Modi was bestowed with Russia's highest state honor, the 'Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.' Following his visit to Russia, PM Modi will embark on a historic trip to Austria, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to the country in 40 years.

(Video Source: PMO India)