Leadership’s Response to Wagner Mutiny, Calls for Dialogue in Ukraine Conflict
In a recent telephonic conversation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for the actions taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration in response to the Wagner mutiny. The Indian PM emphasized the importance of upholding law and order in Russia and ensuring the security of its citizens during these challenging times. The Kremlin issued a translated statement confirming Modi’s understanding and backing for the decisive measures undertaken by Russia’s leadership.
The discussion between the two leaders also touched upon the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Prime Minister Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy to find a resolution. They reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the noteworthy increase in trade between India and Russia in 2022 and the first quarter of the current year.
The conversation also delved into collaboration through multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where India currently holds the chairmanship, as well as the G20 and BRICS formats. Modi and Putin highlighted the significance of consistent implementation of major joint projects across various sectors. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi provided an update on his recent visit to Washington and his engagements on the international stage.
Addressing the situation concerning Ukraine, President Putin assessed the current state of affairs in the conflict zone. He emphasized Kyiv’s refusal to take necessary political and diplomatic measures for conflict resolution, further complicating the situation. The leaders shared their concerns over the developments in Ukraine and agreed on the importance of finding peaceful solutions.
The telephonic conversation comes in the wake of the Wagner mercenary group’s recent revolt, which sparked tensions between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. President Putin publicly condemned the actions of the Wagner mercenaries, denouncing them as “treason.” The situation escalated when Prigozhin’s forces gained control of Russia’s Rostov-on-Don and the headquarters of the Southern Military District before advancing towards Moscow in an armored column.
However, after the intervention of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin agreed to retreat, and his forces began withdrawing from Rostov-on-Don. Initially, the Russian Federal Security Service had opened a case for armed rebellion against the Wagner chief, but the charges were later dropped on June 27.
During the discussion, both leaders reiterated their shared dedication to bolstering the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between Russia and India. They agreed on the necessity of continued engagement and exchanges to deepen bilateral ties further.
As the situation in Russia and Ukraine remains complex and fluid, international attention remains focused on the diplomatic efforts to find lasting solutions and maintain stability in the region.
