President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next year. He indicated that discussions on relevant and current issues, as well as the prospects of Russian-Indian relations, would take place during the visit. Putin's remarks came during a meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

"We will be glad to see our friend, Prime Minister Modi in Russia," Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Wednesday. During PM Modi's visit, "We will be able to discuss all the relevant, current issues and talk to the prospects of the Russian and Indian relationship," Putin added.

During a joint media appearance, Jaishankar expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi and President Putin would meet for their annual summit next year, highlighting the frequent contact between the two leaders. The EAM is on a Russia visit from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides.

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Meanwhile, President Putin also sought a discussion with PM Modi on the ongoing Ukraine War adding, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "willing to do his utmost" to address the Russia-Ukraine issue through "peaceful means".

Putin emphasised the positive stance of Prime Minister Modi on complex global developments, including the situation in Ukraine. "We know the stance of Prime Minister Modi and we mentioned that repeatedly on many occasions. Well, his attitude towards some complex developments, including the flashpoints like...in Ukraine," he noted.

The Russian President mentioned that he has advised Modi on the developments in Ukraine multiple times and indicated that further discussions on the matter would take place.

"Many times, I advised him of how things have been going there and I know that he (PM Modi) is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means. So, we probably will delve into that deeper now, and we will give additional information to you on that time," Putin added.

The Russian President also expressed gratitude for the progressing relationship between Russia and India amid global turmoil. "We are gratified to note that despite all the turmoil happening worldwide, the relationship with our true friend in Asia, India has been progressing incrementally," Putin said.

"We will be glad to see our dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paying a visit to Russia, we will be able to discuss all the relevant, current issues and talk to the prospects of the Russian and Indian relationship," he also said.

He conveyed warm wishes to Modi and acknowledged the busy political schedule in India, with general elections scheduled for the next year.

"We have a lot an open field of work ahead of us. So, please convey my best, very best wishes to his excellency. And please, tell him that we want to see him, Russia expect him to come although, I know that India next year will have a busy political schedule. The general elections in parliament are scheduled for next year. We wish our friends every success in that and we hope that anyway, no matter what the alignment of political forces would be the traditional conventional friendly ties will persist between our nations," the Russian President also said.

Amid the raging military conflict, PM Modi has spoken to Putin as well as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "India and I will do whatever we can to resolve the conflict," PM Modi had said. New Delhi has sought a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with PM Modi telling Russian President Vladimir Putin in September that "now is not an era of war". The remark drew praise from world leaders as well as the global media.