Moscow: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed a poignant message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, expressing deep anguish over the tragic deaths of innocent children following a deadly strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. Modi’s remarks, delivered during a summit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, subtly criticized Russia’s actions amidst ongoing conflict.
During his two-day visit, Modi and Putin outlined nine key areas for enhanced cooperation, spanning nuclear energy, medicine, and a goal to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Despite the summit’s focus on partnership, Modi’s televised comments marked a rare instance of public criticism directed at Putin over the Ukraine war from a traditionally friendly nation.
“Whether it is war, conflict or a terrorist attack, any person who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives,” Modi stated. “But even in that, when innocent children are killed, the heart bleeds and that pain is very terrifying.”
The recent attack on the Kyiv children’s hospital, attributed to Russian forces by Ukraine, claimed the lives of four children and two adults, with several others injured. While Ukraine recovered fragments of a Russian missile at the site, Russia has disputed responsibility, alleging Ukrainian counter-fire.
This isn’t the first time Modi has hinted at disapproval of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In September 2022, he remarked to Putin that “today’s era is not an era of war” signaling concerns over escalating conflicts. Despite India’s abstention from condemning Russia’s invasion, it has capitalized on discounted Russian oil amidst Western sanctions.
Accompanying Modi, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra emphasized India’s interest in strengthening energy ties, potentially expanding deals with Rosneft and other major Russian oil companies. Both nations also explored increasing Russian coal exports to India and outlined plans for cooperation in Arctic maritime routes and space exploration.
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Strategic Alliance: India and Russia Forge Special Partnership
Russia views India as a crucial economic and diplomatic ally amid Western attempts to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Putin hailed their “particularly privileged strategic partnership”, acknowledging India’s role in addressing global crises through peaceful means.
Modi echoed the sentiment, asserting, “Peace cannot be achieved amidst gunfire and bombs. The path to peace lies solely through dialogue.”
While Putin gave no visible response to Modi’s remarks, the Kremlin announced that planned delegation-level talks were unnecessary, indicating the agenda had been fully addressed during the summit.
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Timing Sensitivity Amid Ukraine Conflict
Modi’s visit coincided with the tragic incident at the Kyiv hospital, sparking criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and concerns from the U.S. State Department about India’s relations with Russia. President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s actions as brutal, reinforcing international condemnation of the attacks.
Despite differing perspectives on the conflict, Swasti Rao, an expert at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi, suggested Modi’s stance aimed to portray India as a credible mediator in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, emphasizing adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
