The Kremlin spokesperson has underscored the close connection between the Indian and Russian leaders
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the award ceremony as Putin awards the Order of St. Andrew to Modi for his contributions to the relations between the two countries in Moscow, Russia on July 09, 2024. © Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives “firsthand information” on the Ukraine conflict due to his close personal relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. “This is vital for us. It allows prime minister Modi to assess the situation objectively, rather than under external informational and propaganda pressure,” Peskov said during a conversation with Indian media. Russia appreciates the efforts of countries that want to contribute to resolving the Ukraine conflict, he noted, especially when these efforts come from “our great friends like India.” New Delhi has refused to condemn Moscow over the Ukraine conflict and has openly opposed the sanctions imposed on Russia by the US, EU, and their allies, arguing that such measures have affected energy and food security globally, harming many developing and underdeveloped countries in the Global South. Modi has argued on numerous international platforms that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine cannot be resolved on the battlefield and should be settled through diplomacy. He stated that New Delhi is ready to contribute to such efforts.
In the past six months, Modi has visited both Moscow and Kiev where he held talks with the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. During his latest visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Modi reiterated that India is in “regular contact” with Moscow regarding the conflict. “As I have said before, we believe that problems should be resolved peacefully, and we fully support the earliest possible establishment of peace and stability,” the prime minister noted. Commenting on India-Russia relations, Peskov remarked on Tuesday that the two countries are expanding cooperation in all areas, and that bilateral trade has experienced “explosive growth.” “In 2022, we had $35.3 billion, which is quite a modest figure. But then there was a sharp increase; in 2023, it was already $56.7, almost $56.8 billion. And in the first half of 2024, it’s already over $30 billion. So I think we will exceed the $60 billion mark in our trade volume this year,” Peskov said, according to RIA Novosti. READ MORE: Zelensky lectures Modi on Ukraine conflict stance The Kremlin spokesperson indicated that economic cooperation continues in traditional areas such as energy, defense, and nuclear power, as well as in new fields, including pharmaceuticals. Speaking about the longstanding military cooperation between the countries, Peskov stated that New Delhi is obtaining “the best technologies at the best prices” from Moscow. 
