Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised the importance of dialogue to resolve conflicts as he acknowledged the global reaction to his visit to Moscow and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Modi was on a two-day visit to Moscow at the invitation of Mr Putin to attend the 22nd Russia-India annual summit. The two leaders embraced and shook hands ahead of their meeting at the Russian president's residence near the capital.
It is Mr Modi’s first visit to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the first since he secured power for a third straight term following elections in June.
“While our bilateral summit has been ongoing for the last 25 years and we have met 22 times, this is probably the one meeting where the entire world’s focus is on me and taking out different meanings of this meeting,” Mr Modi told Mr Putin in a video of the meeting.
“Our relationship is one of a particularly privileged strategic partnership,” the Russian president said to his counterpart and guest.
India is a long-time partner of Russia, and New Delhi has sought to continue its relationship with Moscow despite the US and western countries urging nations to sever ties and threatening sanctions in response to trade between the two countries in certain sectors against the backdrop of the continuing war in Ukraine.
India has repeatedly emphasised resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Whether it be war, conflicts, or terror attacks, every person who believes in humanity feels the pain when there are deaths. And even more, when innocent children are murdered, and one sees them dying, it is heart-wrenching,” Mr Modi said.
“I have maintained that for the brighter future of our next generation, peace is pivotal. But I also know that solutions are not possible on the battlefield. Peace talks can’t succeed among bombs, guns, and bullets and we need to find a way to peace through talks.”
Mr Modi’s visit to Moscow – which coincided with a Nato summit in Washington where Ukraine is a key topic – was being keenly watched by his western allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Mr Modi’s meeting with Mr Putin a “devastating blow to peace efforts” and said it was “disappointing” to see Mr Modi embracing his Russian counterpart.
“In Ukraine today, 37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia’s brutal missile strike,” Mr Zelenskyy said on X on Tuesday. “A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble”
“It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day,” he said.
The US, a key ally of India as well as Ukraine, urged Mr Modi to raise the European nation's sovereignty with Mr Putin.
“We would urge India, as we do any country when it engages with Russia, to make clear that any resolution to the conflict in Ukraine needs to be one that respects the UN charter, that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, Ukraine's sovereignty,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said during a press briefing on Monday.
Earlier on Tuesday, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Moscow, Mr Modi said Russia was India’s “all-weather friend” and that ties between the nations have emerged stronger despite several tests.
“I have been a fan of the unique relationship between Russia and India. Every time one hears the word Russia, every Indian feels it is India’s all-weather friend,” Mr Modi said.
“Our relations have been tested several times and each time, the friendship has emerged stronger … I especially praise my friend Mr Putin for his leadership. He has worked for more than two decades to strengthen this partnership.”
He also announced the opening of two new consulates in Russia.
Mr Modi landed in Moscow on Monday where he was received by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and accorded a ceremonial military welcome.
He was later invited for a dinner by Mr Putin at his home where the two leaders held an off-the-cuff talk, mostly with the help of interpreters.
Mr Putin drove the Indian Prime Minister in a golf cart across his sprawling estate and showed him his horses at the stables.
Mr Modi asked Mr Putin to release Indian soldiers serving in the Russian military amid the Ukraine war.
At least a dozen Indian men, aged between 22 and 31, were hired by Indian-origin agents in Russia to work as helpers in the Russian army.
But once the men reached Moscow, they were allegedly drafted into the Russian military and forced to fight in Ukraine.
At least two Indians recruited by the Russian army have been killed in the war.
Mr Modi thanked Mr Putin for selling discounted oil to fulfil the energy requirements of the nation of 1.3 billion people.
Russia is an important trade partner for India.
Mr Putin also expressed his satisfaction with the growing trade between his country and India, noting that it increased by 66 per cent last year.
While the South Asian nation exports medicine and other pharmaceutical products, chemicals, iron and steel and coffee, New Delhi has started buying oil from Russia despite heavy western sanctions on Moscow.
India's oil imports increased tenfold in 2022, according to Bank of Baroda, reaching 20 per cent of the country's imported crude. Those imports reached 40 per cent in 2023.
“People across several countries had to face the shortage of petrol and diesel but because of our trade, we could save citizens of India from the issues of shortage and inflation, and I thank you for that,” Mr Modi said.
“The world should accept that the India-Russia agreement regarding fuel played a big role in bringing stability to the international market.”
New Delhi and Moscow are also in talks to build six high-capacity nuclear power units and small-scale nuclear power plants in India.
The two nations are reportedly also in talks over possible routes for energy transfers through the Northern Sea Route – an alternative passage for the Suez Canal.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
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Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
World Cup final
Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Company%C2%A0profile
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Could%20We%20Be%20More
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
World%20Food%20Day%20
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How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
From Europe to the Middle East, economic success brings wealth - and lifestyle diseases
A rise in obesity figures and the need for more public spending is a familiar trend in the developing world as western lifestyles are adopted.
One in five deaths around the world is now caused by bad diet, with obesity the fastest growing global risk. A high body mass index is also the top cause of metabolic diseases relating to death and disability in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman – and second on the list in Bahrain.
In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.
The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.
And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Teri%20Baaton%20Mein%20Aisa%20Uljha%20Jiya
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Tips%20for%20holiday%20homeowners
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if you go
The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles.
Adele: The Stories Behind The Songs
Caroline Sullivan
Carlton Books
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Scoreline
Syria 1-1 Australia
Syria Al Somah 85'
Australia Kruse 40'
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:
Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Game is on BeIN Sports
Grand slam winners since July 2003
Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam
Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)
Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)
Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)
Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)
Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)
Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open)
Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)
Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)
Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)
Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh359,000
On sale: now
'Spies in Disguise'
Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
