RUSSIA-Modi To Putin:'Today's Era Is Not Of War'

Indian PM Narendra Modi holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

• Modi says to Putin that 'Today's era is not of war'. Says that his 'friendship' with Putin dates back to 2001. Says that food, fertiliser, and fuel security are among his gov'ts major concerns.
• Putin to Modi: "I know about your position on the conflict in Ukraine and also about your concerns. We want all of this to end as soon as possible. We will keep you abreast of what is happening there". Offers invite to Modi to visit Russia.
• Indian gov't has remained relatively neutral on the issue of the Ukraine war, abstaining on votes at the UN and not offering the vociferous condemnation of Russia seen in the West. With Putin, Modi states his support for dialogue and diplomacy.
• Western-aligned nations attempting to draw India towards its camp, but India remains buyer of Russian hydrocarbons and its military relies on Russian equipment. As such a substantial shift towards backing NATO from Delhi a very unlikely prospect.