Indian PM makes statement on war in Ukraine during talks with Putin

This was reported by the Indian TV channel NDTV.

According to the report, Modi allegedly made a direct call to end the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for over two years. During an informal meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin at his official residence in Moscow, Prime Minister Modi told him that it was impossible to find a solution on the battlefield.

"India has always called for respect for the UN Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward," Prime Minister Modi allegedly told Putin during the dinner.

Media reported that Russia has allegedly promised to discharge and return home Indians participating in the war against Ukraine
Indians who are participating in Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine will be discharged from service and returned home. In total, about 20 Indian citizens have been recruited for the war against Ukraine, NDTV reported.

During a visit to Moscow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about Indians being lured by travel agents to serve in the Russian army. Sources said that Russia has pledged to return them home.

About 20 Indian citizens were forced to take part in the war against Ukraine after agents lured them to Russia with promises of lucrative work.

Meanhwile, the Russian propaganda state agency TASS reported that the Kremlin "has no comment on the publications that Putin and Modi allegedly agreed on the early release from the Russian army of Indian citizens who are 'mistakenly' serving there and participating in the special operation."

Earlier, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that 30 to 40 of its citizens could be serving in the Russian army. At the same time, 10 Indians have already returned home. 

At least four Indian citizens have been killed in the war in Ukraine, prompting the Modi government to call for an immediate end to such recruitment and the swift release of Indians fighting in the army.

Modi's visit to Moscow

On Monday, July 8, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Moscow for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

This is Modi's first visit to Russia in five years. In 2019, he attended an economic summit in Vladivostok. The Indian prime minister's visit to Moscow will last two days, on 8 and 9 July, after which he will travel to Austria.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy comments on Modi and Putin's meeting

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the day of Russia's massive missile attack on Ukraine.

Zelenskyy made the statement on X.

"A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble. It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day," he wrote.