पीएम मोदी-पुतिन डिनर में भारत की यूक्रेन युद्ध ख़त्म करने की सबसे सीधी अपील

At PM Modi-Putin Dinner, India's Most Direct Appeal To End Ukraine War

During an informal dinner meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at his official residence in Moscow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong plea for an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This request came during Modi's two-day official visit to Russia, marking his first trip to the country since the beginning of the Ukraine war over two years ago. Modi emphasized that a solution could not be found on the battlefield and urged for respect towards the United Nations Charter, including the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy were the only viable paths forward.

In addition to his appeal for peace, Modi expressed serious concerns about Indian nationals who had been duped by unscrupulous travel agents into joining the Russian military. These agents had misled nearly two dozen Indians, primarily from Punjab and Haryana, into traveling to Russia under the guise of securing high-paying jobs, only for them to end up in the war against Ukraine. A viral video earlier this year highlighted this issue, showing a group of Indian men in military uniforms claiming they had been deceived and pleading for assistance.

Sources indicated that Russia has committed to repatriating all the affected Indian nationals, following Modi's intervention. This issue of Indian nationals being misled into the conflict adds another layer of complexity to India's stance on the war. Despite abstaining from United Nations resolutions condemning Russia and avoiding explicit denunciation of Moscow, India has shown concern for its citizens caught in the crossfire.

This latest interaction between Modi and Putin marks their 16th meeting in the last decade. Their previous face-to-face encounter occurred at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022. The depth of their bilateral relations is further underscored by the fact that in 2019, Modi was awarded Russia's highest state honor, the 'Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.'

Putin congratulated Modi on his recent re-election for a third term, noting that this victory was a testament to his effectiveness in advancing India's interests. "The results speak for themselves; India now ranks third globally in terms of economy," Putin remarked, highlighting the progress India has made under Modi's leadership.

Following his visit to Russia, Modi is set to embark on a historic trip to Austria. This visit will be notable as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria in 40 years, further expanding India's diplomatic engagements on the global stage.

In summary, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia was significant not only for his direct call to end the Ukraine war but also for addressing the plight of Indian nationals caught up in the conflict. His diplomatic efforts underscore India's position on respecting international principles while also protecting its citizens abroad. The ongoing interactions between Modi and Putin reflect a decade-long relationship that continues to evolve amidst global challenges.

News Reference