#VladimirPutin, #NarendraModi, #India, #Russia, #Moscow, #SJaishankar, #SergeyLavrov
Moscow/New Delhi/IBNS: Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow and wished Indians “success” ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the South Asian country, media reports said.
During a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the two leaders, Putin and Modi, were in “frequent contact”.
“We will be glad to see our friend, Mr. Prime Minister Modi in Russia,” Putin told Jaishankar during a meeting as quoted by India Today.
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… pic.twitter.com/iuC944fYHq— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023
“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,” he added.
India has maintained a strong relationship with Russia despite Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Withstanding the pressure from the western world to camp against Moscow, New Delhi continued buying oil from Russia, which has shared a cordial relationship with India for decades.
A wide ranging and useful meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia.
As strategic partners, discussed the international situation and contemporary issues. Exchanged views on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation , Afghanistan and Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20 and… pic.twitter.com/Uk9VTbZm5y— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023
In the course of his interaction with Jaishankar, Putin also wished “friends in India” success months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in India.
“I ask you to give him my best wishes and please tell him that we are waiting for him in Russia,” Putin told Jaishankar and added, ” Although I know that India next year will have a busy political schedule.”
” We wish success to our friends in India,” he added.
Opening remarks at the meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. https://t.co/o7vfav0kCd— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 27, 2023
The 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which are expected to be held in summer next year, will give PM Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a chance to come to power for the third consecutive term.
