‘War not a solution, murder of children gives pain’: PM Modi’s stern message to Putin
Modi's comments came as Russian strikes devastated a Ukrainian children's hospital on Monday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 9) told Russian President Vladimir Putin that war is not a solution, in his first comment on the Ukraine crisis since his Moscow visit began Monday. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered.
"I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with Putin.
"Whether it be war, conflicts, or 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 and that pain is immense. I also had a discussion about this with you," Modi said.
Modi added that India was willing to cooperate with all stakeholders to restore peace in the region.
"I assure you and the world community that India is in favour of peace. Listening to my friend Putin talk about peace yesterday gave me hope," he added.
Russia targeted children's hospital in Kyiv
Modi's comments came as Russian strikes devastated a Ukrainian children's hospital on Monday, the same day he landed in Moscow. The attack on Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt hospital left at least two killed and 16 others injured. The assault prompted the evacuation of at least 600 people from the site.
Another attack in the capital Kyiv left at least 29 people dead. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that four children were among the dead after a boy’s body was found under the rubble in the capital’s Shevchenkivskyi district.
Ukraine PresidentVolodymyr Zelensky earlier criticised PM Modi's visit to Russia, saying it was a "huge disappointment" and "a devastating blow to peace efforts."
“It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day,” Zelensky wrote on microblogging website X.
PM Modi was hosted by Putin at his official residence at Novo-Ogaryovo for a “private engagement” on Monday.
It is PM Modi's first visit to Russia since the Ukraine war broke out. After his Russia visit, Modi will embark for Austria, becoming the first Indian prime minister in 41 years to visit Vienna.
(With inputs from agencies)