The friendship between India and Russia was clearly visible as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with President Vladimir Putin on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China on Monday.
In the talks, Modi greeted recent efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that the path ahead needs to be "constructive."
"We 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.
The Prime Minister pointed to the strength of India-Russia relations, remembering how both countries stood by each other in times of need. He emphasized that close cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow is a vital factor for global peace, prosperity, and stability.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you, and I always request that every meeting with you becomes a memorable one. It provides an opportunity to exchange a lot of information. We remain in constant contact and have held several bilateral meetings," PM Modi said in his opening remarks during the meeting.
He also underscored that regular high-level interactions demonstrate the richness of the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between the two nations, and announced that President Putin will visit India in December.
"Today's meeting is expected to provide a significant boost to the India-Russia relationship. Russia and India enjoy very good relations," the Prime Minister declared as the two leaders took stock of ways to expand cooperation and discussed regional and global developments with each other.
Confirming Putin's visit, Modi said that 1.40 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" for the Russian President's visit to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Summit later this year.
"This is the definition of our deep, 'special and privileged strategic partnership'," PM Modi said.
Earlier on the day, both leaders proceeded to their venue of bilateral meeting in the same vehicle together, reinforcing the cordiality in their relations.
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