India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Indian soldiers serving with the Russian military during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This request was made during Modi’s two-day visit to Moscow, marking his first trip to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

During the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, Modi and Putin will review their nations' multifaceted relationship and discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern, according to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

In a social media post, Modi emphasized that stronger India-Russia ties would greatly benefit citizens of both countries. This visit, after a five-year gap, saw Modi welcomed by Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, a higher-ranking official compared to the one who received the Chinese President. Manturov also accompanied Modi from the airport to the hotel in the same vehicle.

Modi's itinerary includes a community event, paying respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and touring the ROSATOM Pavilion at VDNKh, showcasing Russia’s advancements in nuclear technology. The day will conclude with a private meeting with President Putin at the Kremlin, leading to delegation-level discussions and the signing of official documents.

The United States has urged India to convey a strong message to Russia about resolving the Ukraine conflict in line with the UN Charter, which protects the territorial integrity of all member states, including Ukraine. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the significance of Modi's recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, calling it an important step.

"We saw Modi, like Orban, meet with Zelenskyy. We believe this was a significant move. We urge India, as we do any country engaging with Russia, to ensure any resolution respects the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty," Miller said.

Miller also noted the US's intention to review Modi’s public statements to better understand the discussions during his Moscow visit.

Read More:

US Urges PM Modi to Call for Ukraine’s Sovereignty with Putin

PM Modi's Moscow Visit: Focus on Releasing Indians from Russian Military

The Loud Truth: Modified Silencers Can Lead to Fines, Seizure, and Safety Risks