Putin proposes bilateral with Modi during BRICS summit on Oct
- Russian President Vladmir Putin on Thursday proposed a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan next month when NSA Ajit Doval called on him in St Petersburg.
Highlights:
- Two months after their meeting in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, scheduled for next month.
- Putin’s proposal came during a meeting with India's National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, in St. Petersburg on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Putin’s Proposal for October Meeting:
- The Kremlin quoted Putin expressing his eagerness to meet Modi on October 22 in Kazan to review the progress made since their Moscow talks and to plan for the future. Putin stated, “We will be expecting Mr Modi in Kazan.
- I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting... to review the results of our joint work to implement the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and outline some plans for the near future.”
Doval’s Meeting with Putin:
- During the meeting, the Kremlin highlighted the strength of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, with Putin emphasizing the importance of security issues in bilateral relations. He thanked India for maintaining dialogue in this area.
- Doval, in turn, conveyed Modi’s gratitude and expressed the Prime Minister’s readiness to share information from his recent visit to Ukraine. Modi had traveled to Kyiv on August 23, where he engaged in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
BRICS Summit and Security Discussions:
- Doval is in St. Petersburg to attend a BRICS conclave of national security advisors. The BRICS summit will take place in Kazan from October 22-24, with Modi likely to attend.
- On Wednesday, Doval held talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, discussing bilateral cooperation and important issues of mutual interest.
India’s Role in Ukraine Peace Efforts:
- During Modi's recent meeting with Zelenskyy, the Indian Prime Minister emphasized the need for Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to resolve the ongoing conflict. Modi reiterated India’s willingness to play an “active role” in facilitating peace efforts in the region.
- This follows India’s growing diplomatic engagement with both Ukraine and Russia, aiming to mediate and encourage peaceful resolutions to the war.
Prelims Takeaways:
- National Security Advisor (NSA)
- BRICS Summit