BRICS Summit: PM Modi shares hug with Putin, says will play 'any role' for peace between Russia-Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Oct 22) after arriving in Kazan, Russia to attend the BRICS Summit. 

The two leaders were seen sharing a hug as they met. 

As they met, President Putin emphasised that the ties between India and Russia are like that you don't require translation. He further thanked PM Modi for visiting Kazan and attending BRICS and also recalled his meeting with PM Modi in July. 

Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi lands in Russia, to attend BRICS Summit

"I remember we met in July and had a very good discussion on several issues. We also spoke on the telephone a lot of times. I am very grateful to you for accepting the invitation to come to Kazan. Today, we will participate in the opening ceremony of the BRICS Summit and after that, we will have a dinner. During the upcoming BRICS Summit today with other leaders, we should take some very important decisions...," Putin said.

The Russian president highlighted that the projects with India are constantly developing, adding that both nations' cooperation will benefit from Indian policies. 

"The next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is scheduled for 12 December in New Delhi. Our projects are constantly developing. You have decided to open the Indian Consulate in Kazan. We welcome this. Our cooperation will benefit from the policies of India. We are very happy to see you and your delegation in Russia," said Putin

Meanwhile, PM Modi expressed "heartfelt gratitude" to President Putin for the welcome in Kazan. He said that opening a consulate in Kazan would strengthen the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. 

"I express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship, warm welcome and hospitality. It is a matter of great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to visit a beautiful city like Kazan for the BRICS Summit. India has deep and historical ties with this city. The opening of India's new consulate in Kazan will further strengthen these ties," Modi said during his meeting with Putin. 

Speaking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, PM Modi said that India will play 'any role' for peace between Moscow and Kyiv, adding that he has been in constant touch with the Russian President on the subject. 

"As I have said earlier, we believe that the problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner. We fully support the early establishment of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in the times to come," he said.

Watch | BRICS Summit: BRICS Not Anti-West, Says Putin

On Tuesday, PM Modi arrived in Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders of the BRICS member nations. 

This year, Russia holds the chairmanship of the summit that is taking place from October 22 to October 24. The theme for the summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.

(With inputs from agencies)