Putin Thanks PM Modi For Making Efforts To Resolve Ukrainian Crisis

by Hemanta Pande

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making efforts to find a solution to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Moscow, July 9: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making efforts to find a solution to end the conflict in Ukraine while, at the same time, also lauding the Indian leader for dedicating his "whole life" to strengthen India.

During their bilateral meeting at Moscow's Grand Kremlin Palace, Prime Minister Modi reiterated New Delhi's readiness to assist Russia in any possible way to establish peace in the region.

"Yesterday (at their informal meeting in Novo-Ogaryovo on Monday), we also agreed to establish peace as soon as possible and we are ready to assist in any way in this regard. I have heard your position, your positive views and thoughts. And I can assure you that India has always been on the side of peace. When I listened to you, I felt optimistic and hopes for the future arose," said PM Modi in his opening remarks at the bilateral meeting with Putin.

PM Modi said that he was glad that both the leaders have exchanged opinions in an open manner on the issue of Ukraine.

The Russian President, while mentioning the long-standing friendship and good relations between the two countries, acknowledged PM Modi's initiative to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

"We had the opportunity yesterday to discuss practically all issues in an informal setting. I am grateful to you for the attention you are paying to the most pressing issues, including trying to find some ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, and of course, first and foremost, peacefully," said Putin in his opening remarks on Tuesday.

Congratulating PM Modi on NDA's third consecutive win in the recently-held Lok Sabha elections, Putin wished "new successes" in the development of India under the leadership of PM Modi.

"I know that your whole life has been dedicated to the idea and implementation of the idea of strengthening the Indian state, improving the lives of the Indian people," he said.

The Russian President also highlighted that India and Russia continue to "closely cooperate" in the international arena, including in international organisations, primarily at the United Nations and in associations such as the SCO and BRICS.

"We are in constant contact with you and focus on the development of trade and economic ties, the development of which certainly corresponds to the interests of both the people of India and the peoples of the Russian Federation. Last year, trade turnover increased by 60 per cent, even more – 66 per cent. In the first quarter of this year, it added another 20 per cent," he added. (IANS)

Read More Odisha News

We Were Fortunate To Get Virat Kohli's Wicket On That Delivery, Says William O'Rourke

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Bengaluru, Oct 18: New Zealand pacer William O'Rourke feels that he was fortunate to take Virat Kohli's dismissal on the ball which was going down the leg in the first Test against India on Thursday.

Kohli departed on a nine-ball duck as he edged the ball which was taken by Glenn Phillips at the leg gully on the second day in Bengaluru. India had an abysmal outing in the first innings under overcast conditions as they were bowled out for just 46 runs, their lowest-ever Test score at home and their third-lowest in history.

"I think just with my angle back in, having that leg gully in place was meant to bring him into play. It was obviously an attacking option for us. We were fortunate to get the wicket. I don’t think that was exactly the delivery I intended, but it worked and I got his wicket, so I’m happy about it," O'Rourke told JioCinema.

The weather conditions and moisture on the pitch supported Kiwi seamers and O'Rourke said he felt like playing at home. "Very similar to the conditions back home. I think we weren't expecting too much assistance in the morning. We were probably going to bat as well if we won the toss. So, it was nice to see the ball nipping around, and I could just run in and do my thing," the pacer said.

"I think we were excellent in the field today. A few diving chances and I think that's what we pride ourselves on. We probably haven't been as good as we wanted to be in the last few Tests. So, coming out here and putting on a show like that was really special," he added.

Playing for the first time in India, O'Rourke returned with the figures of 4-22 in his 12 overs and credited the Sri Lanka series for getting a sense of the subcontinental conditions.

"It’s my first time playing in the subcontinent so it’s obviously a little bit different from back home, but playing those first two Tests in Sri Lanka really helped prepare me to come out here and just focus on doing my own thing," he said.

After dismissing India for a dismal total, the visitors ended day two on 180 for 3, leading by 134 runs. Devon Conway was the standout for the visitors, scoring 91 runs, while Will Young contributed 33. Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja bagged one scalp each but India face an uphill task to recover from their nightmare start in the series opener.

Putin Thanks PM Modi For Making Efforts To Resolve Ukrainian Crisis

Download Mobile App