'Looked Putin in the eyes and...': What PM Modi said on Russia-Ukraine war
‘Looked Putin in the eyes and…’: What PM Modi said on Russia-Ukraine war
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interaction, recalled the time he told Russian President Vladimir Putin that today’s era is not of war.
In an interview with Republic TV, PM Modi said that he had the guts to look into the eyes of Putin and tell him that “this is not the time for war”. He asserted that the country has maintained an independent stand on the ongoing global conflicts.
“Most of the countries have taken a stand. We are the only one whose position is very clear. We are not on anyone’s side, we are in favour of peace. Therefore, the world has faith that we are the only ones who neither speaks of giving arms, nor to fight. I had the guts to look into the eyes of Russian President Vladimir Putin and tell him this is not a time for war. India has created its position (in the world),” Modi was quoted as saying by the portal.
The Prime Minister was referring to his meeting with Putin in September 2022 that took place on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Samarkand. On his part, Putin had told Modi that he was aware of India’s concerns over the Ukraine conflict and that Russia will do everything possible to end it as soon as possible.
In March this year, Modi in a congratulatory message to re-elected Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he looked forward to boosting ties to develop their “special” relationship.
“Look forward to working together to further strengthen the time-tested special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia in the years to come,” Modi wrote on social media platform X.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also spoke about neighbouring country Pakistan during the interview with Republic TV and said he has put a lock on Pakistan being a factor in running India. “We shouldn’t bother much about whether Pakistan changes its approach. For the last 10 years, I have put a lock on Pakistan being a factor in running India,” he stated.