Putin Shares Assessment of Ukraine's 'Destructive Line' After Call with PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday after his landmark visit to Ukraine last week.

"Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and shared my impressions of the recent visit to Ukraine. Reaffirmed that India stands for a speedy, sustainable, and peaceful resolution of the conflict," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

The Indian prime minister informed Putin about his recent visit to Kyiv, underlining his readiness to contribute to a possible political and diplomatic settlement of the situation around Ukraine.

"For his part, Vladimir Putin outlined to Mr. Prime Minister a fundamental assessment of the destructive line of the Kyiv authorities and their Western patrons, outlined key Russian approaches on ways of conflict resolution," said the Russian President's office.

It also mentioned, "Issues of practical implementation of agreements reached in the course of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia in July in the trade-economic sphere were also considered.

"The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of interaction between both countries within BRICS. Narendra Modi confirmed his readiness to participate in the association's summit, which will be held under the Russian chairmanship in Kazan in October 2024. A decision was taken to extend bilateral contacts at various levels," it was said in the statement published by the Kremlin.

On Monday evening, PM Modi had called up US President Joe Biden on the situation arising out of the Russia-Ukraine war and reiterated that long-standing position on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the conflict.

"While talking about the situation in Ukraine, PM Modi briefed President Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine, its historical and civilizational relationship with India, and the importance that India attached to it. He repeated India's consistent position in favor of dialogue and diplomacy, and expressed full support for early return of peace and stability," late night PMO statement said.

The Prime Minister earlier in the day spoke with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, as both leaders not only discussed bilateral relations but also further cooperation in multilateral fora, including the Quad grouping that also comprises the United States and Japan.

This visit by PM Modi to Kyiv last Friday, had come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after his telephonic conversation with the Indian Prime Minister said, "India supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.".

He said, "Today was made history, because today the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, came on the first visit to Ukraine after the independence of our state during these years, on the eve of our Independence Day. Today we agreed on four documents between Ukraine and India, covering the medical sector, cooperation in the agricultural sector, humanitarian relations, and culture.".

PM Modi, on his part, reiterated the principled position and determination of India to ensure a peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflict, through dialogue and diplomacy. Reiterating India's position during discussions with Zelensky, PM Modi repeated India's readiness to contribute in "every possible way" to help speed up the return of peace in the region.

Soon after the bilateral talks in Kyiv, Prime Minister Modi said, "My visit to Ukraine was historic. I came to this great nation with the aim of furthering India-Ukraine friendship. I had productive talks with President Zelensky. India stands for peace always. Thanks to the Government and people of Ukraine for the hospitality.".

During his Moscow visit last month, PM Modi had held extensive talks with the Russian President on ending the conflict in Ukraine.

Amidst the long-standing friendship and good relationship talk between the two countries, Putin vouched for the initiative of the PM Modi over finding a solution to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

"We had a chance to touch on practically all issues in an informal atmosphere, so I'm grateful to you for this kind of attention to the most acute, I think-from different points of view-problems that the international community faces, including trying to find at least some sensible ways out of the Ukrainian crisis, which, of course, should be first of all peaceable for the Ukrainian people," said Putin on July 9.