New Delhi, 5 December (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened for bilateral talks at Hyderabad House on Friday, where Modi reaffirmed India's unwavering support for all peace efforts amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Declaring that India is not neutral but stands firmly on the side of peace, Modi urged a peaceful resolution through dialogue, echoing New Delhi's consistent stance against battlefield solutions.

The leaders' meeting, part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, commenced shortly after Putin's ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Discussions centred on defence cooperation, including potential Su-57 jets and S-500 systems, a 2030 economic roadmap targeting $100 billion bilateral trade, Eurasian Economic Union FTA progress, labour mobility, civil nuclear energy, and shielding energy deals from U.S. sanctions.

Putin thanked Modi for India's constructive role in peace initiatives, praising his leadership as resolute and immune to external pressures.

Up to 10 intergovernmental pacts and 15 commercial agreements in healthcare, fisheries, pharma exports, and Arctic shipbuilding are expected post-talks, followed by a joint press conference and business forum before Putin's 9 PM departure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar