INDIA-Modi/Putin Talks 'Constructive': Kremlin

State-run RIA carrying comments following Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi in Moscow. Kremlin spox Dmitry Peskov says the two leaders 'had constructive discussions on Ukraine', adding that 'Modi does not intend to take on a mediating role in resolving the situation in Ukraine; everyone is exchanging opinions, and new ideas emerged as a result of the discussion.'

• Peskov claimed that the West would ignore any attempts at mediation by Modi, saying "The NATO summit is currently taking place. All the rhetoric that preceded it indicates that it is unlikely that [the alliance countries] will hear [the peace initiatives of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi], but we will continue to monitor what approaches will dominate there,"
• Comments from Russian Deputy PM Alexander Novak hitting wires. Says that 'Russia is exploring different options for gas supplies to India', as well as the 'possibility [of signing] a long-term oil deal'.
• Pictures of Modi hugging Putin and calling the Russian leader 'my friend' has been met with criticism from Ukraine and will be of concern to the US as it attempts to bring India further towards the western alliance. Given the deep military and economic links between Russia and India, these effort are likely to prove in vain in the short term.
• Euractiv notes, "Moscow remains a key supplier of cut-price oil and weapons to India, but the Kremlin’s isolation from the West and blooming friendship with Beijing have impacted its time-honoured partnership with New Delhi."