New Delhi (TIP)- Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand and stated that this era is not of war but peace as the Ukraine war enters its ninth month. “Today’s era isn’t of war and I’ve spoken to you about it on the call. Today, we’ll get the opportunity to talk about how we can progress on the path of peace. India–Russia has stayed together with each other for several decades,” PM Modi told Vladimir Putin in a face-to-face meeting, the first since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. “We spoke on the phone several times about India-Russia bilateral relations and also on various issues. We should find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security & fertilizers. I want to thank Russia & Ukraine for helping us to evacuate our students from Ukraine,” PM Modi said.

Both leaders discussed bilateral, regional and other global issues on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

During the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin told PM Modi that Moscow will keep New Delhi informed about the developments in Ukraine.”I know about your position on the conflict in Ukraine and also about your concerns. We want all of this to end as soon as possible. We will keep you abreast of what is happening there,” Putin said. Putin also took time out to wish PM Modi who will be celebrating his birthday on Saturday, September 17.

“My dear friend, tomorrow you are about to celebrate your birthday. As per Russian tradition, we don’t say happy birthday in advance. But we wish you all the best and to our friendly nation, India. We wish prosperity to India under your leadership,” Vladimir Putin said.

No handshake, no smiles: PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping share stage at SCO summit

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for improving connectivity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand, he maintained a safe distance from Xi Jinping, the President of India’s northern neighbour China.

PM Modi and President Jinping shared the world stage for the first time after clashes in the Galwan Valley. The tension along the Indo-China border was evident from the distance that the two leaders maintained from each other at the summit. PM Modi is said to have missed the dinner meeting on Thursday evening and arrived just in time on Friday for the annual summit. During a photo-op, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side but did not exchange smiles or shake hands.

PM Narendra Modi, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Shariff, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the SCO and deliberated on the regional security situation and ways to enhance trade and connectivity at the annual summit of the grouping.

                Source: Agencies