PM Modi departs for Austria after his two-day Russia visit ends

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Russia and embarked on his journey to Austria on Tuesday.
During his stay in Russia, Modi engaged in discussions with Russian leaders to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including energy, trade, manufacturing, and fertilisers.
The visit marked Modi's first trip to Russia since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict.
On Monday evening, President Vladimir Putin hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi at his residence on the outskirts of Moscow. The two leaders also addressed the ongoing Ukraine crisis during their talks.
PLM Modi emphasised that a resolution to the conflict cannot be achieved on the battlefield, stating that "peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets."
Earlier on Tuesday, President Putin expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis. "I am grateful to you for the attention you pay to the most pressing issues, particularly trying to find ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis, primarily through peaceful means," Putin said, as reported by the official TASS news agency.
In recognition of his contribution to fostering bilateral ties between India and Russia, Prime Minister Modi was officially awarded the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by President Putin. The award, which was announced in 2019, was conferred upon Modi during his visit.
As Modi arrives in Vienna, it will mark the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over four decades, with the last visit being that of Indira Gandhi in 1983.