President Putin Invites PM Modi to Russia

Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will meet for an annual summit next year, said Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar during a joint media appearance along with Lavrov after their talks.

Jaishankar said PM Modi and President Putin have been in frequent contact.

“We will be glad to see our friend, Mr. Prime Minister Modi in Russia,” Putin told Jaishankar during their interaction.

“We know the position of Prime Minister Modi and have talked about this more than once. I am referring to his position, his attitude to complicated processes, including hot spots, the situation in Ukraine. I have repeatedly informed him about the situation around this conflict. I know about his striving to resolve this problem through peaceful means,” Putin said.

“I ask you to give him my best wishes and please tell him that we are waiting for him in Russia,” Putin told Jaishankar, adding, “Although I know that India next year will have a busy political schedule” (referring to the 2024 Lok Sabha Election).

“We wish success to our friends in India,” Putin said.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message. Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of our ties.”

The ties between India and Russia remained strong despite Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. India continues to import Russian crude oil despite criticism by many Western countries.