Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, where the leaders discussed a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In their bilateral talks, PM Modi reiterated India's readiness to support efforts for peace.

"I have maintained regular communication with you regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As I have said before, we believe the issues should be resolved peacefully. India fully supports the establishment of peace and stability as soon as possible, and our efforts prioritize humanitarian concerns. India is prepared to offer any assistance that may be required in the future," PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister also reflected on his recent visits to Russia, underscoring the close ties and strong friendship between the two nations. His two trips in the past three months, including the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July, highlight the depth of the relationship. During the July visit, Modi was honored with Russia's highest civilian award, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.

In addition to his meeting with Putin, PM Modi is expected to engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders from BRICS nations. This summit takes place against a backdrop of global tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing Middle East crisis.

India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, recently emphasized India’s consistent advocacy for dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve conflicts, particularly in the case of the Ukraine crisis. "India has always believed in diplomatic engagement to find a peaceful resolution," Kumar said in a recent interview with India Today.

Last month, Putin referred to PM Modi as a "friend" and expressed his gratitude for India's support in pushing for a peaceful end to the conflict. This followed Modi's call to Putin two months ago, urging an early resolution to the two-year war. Modi also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv in August.

On the eve of the BRICS Summit, a significant development emerged regarding India-China relations. Both countries agreed to resume joint patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, leading to a disengagement process that signals a breakthrough in their strained ties. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the agreement, announced Monday, represents a step toward de-escalating tensions between the neighbors.

The two-day BRICS Summit, themed "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security," offers a critical platform for world leaders to address pressing global issues, review the progress of various initiatives, and explore avenues for future collaboration.