Kremlin denies dispute between Putin and Modi
In Ukraine, the government maintains a neutral stance in the war. For the first time, during a state visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin gently. Shortly after, a meeting between the two countries was cancelled. Did the leaders argue? Moscow denies this.
Russia dismissed speculation that there was a fight between the delegations of the two countries during Indian Minister-President Narendra Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov told reporters in Moscow that the cancellation was due to scheduling issues. "This had absolutely nothing to do with any disagreements or problematic situations," Peskov said.
Modi implicitly scolded Putin during a joint appearance before the media by saying that the death of innocent children was terrible. "My heart bleeds when I hear about it," the Indian prime minister declared.
Modi was referring to the Russian attack on the largest Ukrainian children's hospital in Kiev. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of being responsible. Independent military experts, as well as the United Nations, have come to a clear conclusion based on video material analysis: It was a direct Russian attack using a Kh-101 (Ch-101) missile.
Close Economic Ties
The shelling caused outrage in many countries. Putin has rarely been openly criticized by countries that see Russia as an ally. Moreover, Modi expressed his criticism on Russian soil, in the presence of Putin and in front of live cameras. The tone of the visit was positive. Modi referred to Putin as a "beloved friend" and stated that the relationship was based on mutual trust and respect.
Modi repeated his criticism in New Delhi. He told Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer about the conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. He confirmed that the loss of innocent lives was unacceptable and that solutions for conflicts could not be found on the battlefield.
Russia is India's largest weapons supplier, and the two countries have maintained close relations since the Soviet era. Additionally, India is a major buyer of Russian oil, which it has been receiving at lower prices since the outbreak of the Ukraine war because Russia cannot freely sell it to the West due to sanctions. The West is also courting good relations with India, which it sees as a counterweight to China.
Embrace for Putin Sparks Criticism
India has resisted calls to condemn Russia's attack war on Ukraine. Instead, Modi has been trying for a neutral position and has repeatedly called for dialogue between the warring parties. The Russian and Ukrainian governments accused each other on Tuesday for the attack on the clinic. From the ranks of the United Nations, it was suggested, based on an on-site investigation, that it was a Russian attack. The timing of the attack - it was the first day of Modi's visit to Moscow - was awkward for Modi.
When Modi posted a photo online of him embracing Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated it was a great disappointment that "the leader of the world's largest democracy hugs the bloodiest war criminal in the world on such a day in Moscow." Russian government spokesperson Peskov responded to journalists on Tuesday, demanding they refer to the statements of the Russian Defense Ministry, which absolutely excludes attacks on civilian targets.
- Despite the tension arising from Narendra Modi's gentle criticism of Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine, the Indian Prime Minister continued to maintain a positive stance towards Russia, referring to Putin as a "beloved friend" during their meeting in Moscow.
- In the midst of the complex geopolitical situation, Russia remains India's largest weapons supplier and a significant oil provider, with oil sales to India seeing lower prices due to sanctions following Russia's actions in Ukraine.
- Contrary to international criticism and calls for condemnation, Narendra Modi has chosen to adopt a neutral position towards Russia's actions in Ukraine, repeating his stance in New Delhi to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
- The embrace between Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin during the Prime Minister's state visit to Moscow sparked controversy, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing his disappointment, while Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended Putin's actions, emphasizing the Russian Defense Ministry's stance on civilian target attacks.
