‘Factually incorrect’: India denies cancelling programmes during PM Modi’s Moscow visit

VIENNA: External Affairs Minister Vinay Mohan Kwatra has categorically denied any cancellation of programmes scheduled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow. Kwatra also refuted allegations of friction or disruption during PM Modi’s “successful trip” to Russia.

“No cancellation of any programme during PM Modi’s visit to Moscow. Your reference to friction is surprising and factually incorrect. PM Modi’s visit to Moscow was a success and no programme item was cancelled,” Kwatra said during a special briefing on the prime minister’s visit to Austria on Wednesday.

He further clarified: “To my knowledge, no particular element of the programme was cancelled during the Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow.”

During the meeting, Kwatra also revealed the details of the issues that Prime Minister Modi discussed. Kwatra said, “The third topic on which the two leaders spent a lot of time was the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi spoke about India’s perspective on the Russia-Ukraine conflict…”

The External Affairs Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s numerous contacts with world leaders regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

#WATCH | Vienna, Austria: Foreign Minister Vinay Mohan Kwatra said: “The Prime Minister met with President Zelenskyy in Tokyo and at the G20 summit in Italy, and then met with President Putin. Throughout that engagement, there were many phone calls. Throughout that engagement, we insisted that… pic.twitter.com/DJMFvT8DFx

— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2024

“The Prime Minister met with President Zelenskyy in Tokyo and at the G20 summit in Italy, and then met with President Putin. Throughout this exchange and many phone calls have taken place. Throughout this exchange, we have insisted on finding a way forward through dialogue. We will provide all our support and for the meeting, both sides must decide… We have been extremely consistent on this. We are ready to play any role possible,” Kwatra stressed.

He also reiterated Modi’s position on the conflict, saying, “The Prime Minister has made it clear and has put forward three things: this is not a time of war, a solution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine cannot be found on the ground and wherever innocent lives are lost, it is unacceptable. Dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward to find a solution. Whatever India contributes to the dialogue, it will do so. The Prime Minister has explained in detail the challenges faced by the Global South country and its impact on the economic aspect. Energy security has been affected and remains a source of tension.”

On India’s message on Russia-Ukraine relations, Kwatra said, “The Indian Prime Minister was consistent in what he said during his meeting in Moscow and he was consistent. When he met the Russian President at the SCO summit in Samarkand, he mentioned that we are not in a war period and said so publicly.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held important meetings with Austrian leaders, including Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Karl Nehammer, to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues of collaboration between India and Austria.

It is worth noting that this is the first time in 41 years that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Austria. Indira Gandhi was the last Prime Minister to visit Austria in 1983. PM Modi’s visit to Austria comes after his two-day official visit to Russia, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Austria also comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. (ANI)