Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to seek an end to the Ukraine conflict, saying that he has “good ideas” for achieving a peaceful resolution.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, personal good relations, constantly raises the question and asks the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said.Asked about the issue at the Valdai Club forum, Putin said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively working to find mutually acceptable solutions to the Ukraine conflict.“He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. In that sense, naturally, the Prime Minister takes a neutral position but with an interest in the end of the conflict. I think it’s my duty to say that directly. And we are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas,” Putin said.Putin thanked PM Modi for his efforts and continued support for resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue.“We are thankful for his desire to put an end to this conflict through peaceful means and as soon as possible,” he added.Prime Minister Modi and Putin last met in September on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where they discussed strengthening trade ties, including the implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030, along with cooperation in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.PM Modi has repeatedly called for peace, stressing that India has maintained a principled and humanitarian approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.“India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India’s principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” the Prime Minister said during an interview with Japanese news outlet ‘The Yomiuri Shimbun’ while on a visit to the country in August.Responding to a question on India’s role in peace efforts between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi said, “I have already indicated India’s willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine.“This comes as Putin reiterated Moscow’s long-standing position that Russia has no plans to attack European countries, while warning that it would respond to any aggression with “all weapons” at its disposal.He also accused Western countries, particularly in Europe, of escalating tensions by discussing preparations for a possible war with Moscow, conducting military drills in the Baltic Sea and seizing Russian vessels.European leaders and intelligence agencies have warned that Russia could be capable of launching an attack on another country within the next few years, particularly if it emerges victorious from the war in Ukraine.
