Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the 22nd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and urged him to end the conflict soon.
“In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy,” an MEA release said.
In his opening remarks during bilateral talk with Putin, the Prime Minister said “I know that today’s era is not of war and we have spoken to you many times on the phone that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue are such things that touch the world”.
During the meeting both the leaders appreciated the sustained momentum in bilateral ties, including contacts at various levels.
President Putin expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s video-message at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok earlier this month, the MEA release said.
The leaders discussed important issues of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of interest.
“Discussions also pertained to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilizers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geo-political situation,” the statement said.
This was the first meeting of both leaders this year, which marks the 75th anniversary year of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia (earlier Soviet Union). Both Modi and Putin agreed to “remain in touch”, the MEA stated.
PM Modi and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi also held bilateral talks.
This was the first meeting between Modi and President Raisi since President Raisi’s assumption of office in 2021.
During the meeting the two leaders discussed many important issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship, and expressed their desire for strengthening the relationship further.
The Prime Minister highlighted that India-Iran bilateral ties are marked by historic and civilizational connections, including strong people to people contacts.
The two leaders reviewed the progress in the development of the Shahid Behesti terminal, Chabahar Port and underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity.
The two leaders also discussed international and regional developments including Afghanistan. Mr Modi reiterated India’s priorities of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and the need for a representative and inclusive political dispensation in Kabul in support of a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan.
President Raisi briefed the Prime Minister on the status of the JCPOA negotiations, the MEA stated.
