'Stop the war'; Modi once again appeals to Putin

MOSCOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine. Modi made the request during the meeting between the two leaders as part of the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit yesterday.

"Peace cannot prevail amid guns and bombs. Negotiation and diplomacy are the only way forward. I have hope in the discussion with Putin, my friend," Modi said.

Referring to the missile attack carried out by Russia on a children's hospital in Ukraine, Modi told Putin that it was extremely saddening that innocent children were being killed.

Indians will be freed
In a major diplomatic victory, Putin accepted PM Modi's request to release the Indians who were recruited to the Russian army for the war against Ukraine. Modi raised the issue during a dinner party on Monday. Following this, Putin issued an order in this regard. Discussions were also held to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as trade, commerce, security, agriculture and technology.

Two new Indian consulates
Addressing the Indian community, Modi announced that India will open new consulates in the Russian cities of Kazan and Yekaterinburg. Yekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia. Kazan, which lies at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, is a cultural and educational centre. Kazan is the venue for this year's BRICS summit in October.

Picture of Putin hugging Modi goes viral
The picture of Modi and Putin hugging has gone viral all over the world. The rare moment was captured at Putin's residence on the outskirts of Moscow. Putin hugged Modi while congratulating him for coming to power for the third term. Both sat on the terrace and drank tea. Later Putin took Modi for a drive in his golf cart.

Modi receives Russia's highest civilian award
PM Modi was ceremoniously presented with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia's highest civilian honour by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Notably, the award was bestowed on PM Modi in the year 2019.

"Honoured to receive the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle. I thank the Russian Government for conferring the award. This award is dedicated to my fellow 140 crore Indians," PM Modi posted on X after being conferred the award.