Ukraine War, Indians Fighting For Russia Are Coming Home, Modi Gets Civilian Award: 3 Takeaways From PM's Moscow Visit

As PM Modi’s two-day visit to Russia is coming to an end in a few hours from now, his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this time holds key importance in the strategic ties between the two countries. The bond between the two leaders appeared to have grown stronger despite several countries, especially the US, raising concerns over India and Russia’s ties.

Following his visit to Russia, the Prime Minister will visit Austria. PM Modi would be the first Indian leader in 41 years, after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to visit the European nation. However, it is important to note that PM Modi’s visit to Russia has three key takeaways:

PM Modi Discusses Ukraine War With Putin

During his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, PM Modi highlighted the Russia-Ukraine war and said India is ready to cooperate in all ways to restore peace in both the countries.

“For restoration of peace, India is ready to cooperate in all ways…I assure you and the world community that India is in favour of peace. Listening to my friend Putin talk about peace yesterday, gives me hope. I would like to say to my media friends – Possible,” Prime Minister Modi said.

In addition to this, PM Modi also raked up the killing of innocent children in the war. PM Modi during discussion with President Putin said, “Be it war, conflicts, terror attacks – everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives. But when innocent children are murdered, when we see innocent children dying, it is heart-wrenching. That pain is immense. I also held a detailed discussion with you over this.”

Release of Indian Military Recruits on Russia-Ukraine Warfront

Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted his ‘dear friend’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request to release Indians fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine. Notably, PM Modi made the request at a private dinner hosted by Putin at his residence on Monday.

The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war is a key concern for New Delhi. In recent months, reports have surfaced about Indians who have fallen prey to job frauds, were tricked and forced by scammers to fight for the Russian army in its war against Russia.

According to reports, four Indians have been killed in the war, while 10 have returned to the country. About 35-40 Indians are still believed to be stuck in Russia.

PM Modi Receives Russia’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was officially awarded the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to enhancing bilateral relations between India and Russia.

The Order was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great, in honour of Saint Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus, and patron saint of Russia. It was bestowed in a single class and was only awarded for the most outstanding civilian or military merit.