Tianjin/New Delhi, Sep 1 (UNI) In a pointed signal to the West, especially the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and Russia have always moved together shoulder to shoulder in the toughest of times and their close bilateral ties are important not only for their people but for global peace, stability and prosperity.
In his media remarks during the bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, PM Modi also said that India is looking forward to welcoming President Putin to India in December for the annual summit meeting.
“We have been in close touch regularly. Our two sides have had several high-level meetings on a regular basis.
“In December we shall hold our 23rd summit and 140 crore Indians are waiting to welcome you eagerly,” the PM said.
“India and Russia have always moved together shoulder to shoulder in the toughest of times. Our close partnership is important, not only for our people but for global peace, stability and prosperity,” the PM said.
His remarks came as the West watched the two leaders sit together in a limousine and travel to the venue of their bilateral meeting, after they had shared a warm and affectionate hug on the SCO stage, symbolising their close personal equation and the depth of the long-standing bilateral ties.
The PM’s statement and his actions, showing the closeness with Russia and with President Putin, come amid the US’ strident criticism of India’s closeness with Moscow and its purchase of Russian oil.
On the Ukraine conflict, the PM said the two leaders have been in close touch regularly. And India welcomes the recent moves toward peace.
“We have been in close touch on the Ukraine conflict. We welcome the recent efforts towards peace and hope all the parties will move together constructively to end the conflict, and find a way forward to peace. This is the call of the entire humanity,” the PM said.
India, Russia close ties important for global peace, stability, prosperity: PM Modi
