NEW DELHI: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that an open invitation has been extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia, as reported by Russia-based TASS. Peskov noted that the visit of PM Modi to Russia is pending coordination through diplomatic channels.
“This (Modi’s visit to Russia) is yet to be coordinated through diplomatic channels,” stated Peskov in response to inquiries about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin had invited Modi to Russia following their recent phone conversation.
“Of course, the Indian prime minister also has an open invitation to visit our country,” Peskov added, as per the TASS report.
Peskov affirmed, “In any case, [Putin and Modi] will meet in the first half of this year,” highlighting that the two leaders will convene both in multilateral settings at international events and in bilateral discussions.
This declaration comes subsequent to PM Modi’s telephonic exchange with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, during which India reiterated its stance on dialogue and diplomacy for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as per an official statement.
“The two leaders agreed to make concerted efforts towards further strengthening the Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the years to come. They also reviewed progress in various issues of bilateral cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” said the official release.
“While discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch,” it added.
The Kremlin disclosed details of President Putin’s conversation with PM Modi, indicating that Putin informed Modi about the current situation in Ukraine and highlighted Ukraine’s reluctance to pursue political and diplomatic resolutions to the conflict.
“The President of Russia gave his assessment of the current state of affairs in the zone of the special military operation. He emphasised Kyiv’s categorical refusal to take political and diplomatic steps to settle the conflict,” stated the President of Russia in a statement.
“In connection with the events of June 24, Narendra Modi expressed understanding and support of the resolute actions by the Russian leadership to protect law and order and ensure stability in the country and security of its people,” it added.
