’Solution to Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be...’: India bats for ’dialogue’ as PM Modi meets Vladimir Putin

India batted for ‘dialogue and diplomacy’ between Ukraine and Russia on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed towards Moscow. The senior politician is slated to hold talks with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as part of a bilateral summit.

“The solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be found on the battleground. It is also the view of the global south and naturally needs to have both parties for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” news agency ANI quoted Indian government sources as saying.

The war between the two countries entered its third year in February with no clear end in sight. It will also be a key point of discussion as Joe Biden hosts world leaders for the NATO summit this week in the US.

PM Modi arrived in Russia on Monday afternoon for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was received at the airport by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Members of the Indian diaspora had gathered to welcome PM Modi at his hotel.

According to an update shared by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Modi and Putin will start talking around noon on Tuesday. The two leaders are however not expected to make any statements to the press after their meeting.

"Around noon, Putin and Modi will start talking. We expect that there will be a private conversation, as well as Russian-Indian talks over an official breakfast,” the state-owned TASS news agency quoted Dmitry Peskov as saying.

“Tomorrow, PM Modi has a packed schedule. He will be attending the 22nd Annual Summit and will have delegation-level talks. He will meet the Indian community, will address the Indian community members and also visit Rosatom (State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom) and exhibition space,” added MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

(With inputs from agencies)