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Putin’s India Trip Soon?

Peskov was quoted as saying, “We place great importance on this moment, but at the moment, I don’t have any specific dates.”…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin could visit India soon, the Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

“Well, I hope that soon, very soon we will determine the exact dates of his (Vladimir Putin) visit. But you know that our leaders exchange visits. So, of course, after two visits of Prime Minister Modi to Russia, now President Putin is expected to visit India. So we are looking forward to it. We will start preparing very carefully for this visit. We attach great importance to this moment. Right now I do not have any specific dates,” Peskov was quoted as saying by Russia’s leading news agency RIA Novosti.

The Presidential Press Secretary also mentioned that the Indian PM, thanks to his relations with the Russian President, can receive first-hand information on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“At least he (PM Modi) can receive information first-hand (from the Russian President), this is very important. This is very important for us. This gives Prime Minister Modi the opportunity to objectively assess the situation, and not under information and propaganda pressure from outside,” Peskov said at a meeting ‘New Opportunities for Cooperation between Indian and Russian Media: Strengthening Ties between the Peoples of India and Russia’ organised by Sputnik.

According to Peskov, the Russian President highly appreciates the assistance of all countries, especially those with which Moscow has good relations, like India.

“We really appreciate the efforts of all possible countries aimed at facilitating the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine . And especially when these efforts come from our great friends like India. In this sense, President Putin really appreciates the efforts made by Prime Minister Modi. And he is really grateful to Prime Minister Modi,” stated Peskov.

He highlighted that, due to the excellent bilateral relations, India gets the best Russian military equipment for the best price.

“I have no doubt that our products are the best and that their prices are affordable. So, we understand perfectly well that India is interested in all possible directions. They buy the best at better prices. So, our production is highly competitive, and we have no doubt that we provide our Indian friends with the best technologies,” he remarked.

At the same meeting, Peskov reflected that Moscow is ready to do its bit to normalise relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

“We are friends with both New Delhi and Beijing. We are ready to agree to all possible and necessary ways to normalise relations between our friends,” Peskov said.

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Too Early To Discuss Detente: Kremlin On Russia-US Ties

Putin on Thursday said that he is ready to hold discussions with Trump and congratulated him on winning the US presidential election.

It is too early to discuss prospects for improving Russia-US relations, local media reported Friday, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

He said Russian President Vladimir Putin remains willing and open to dialogue with the US President-elect Donald Trump but arranging a time would come later.

The spokesman recalled that during the election campaign, Trump mentioned that he intended to contact Putin personally, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Putin on Thursday said that he is ready to hold discussions with Trump and congratulated him on winning the US presidential election.

When answering a question at the plenary session of the Russian think tank Valdai’s annual meeting in Sochi about whether he is ready to talk with Trump, the Russian leader said: “ready.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as president of the United States,” Putin said, adding that Russia will work with any head of state who the American people trust.

However, Putin made it clear that – to a large extent – the ball remains in the United States’ court.

“Because we have not spoiled relations with them, we have not introduced any restrictions or sanctions against them. We do not contribute to any armed conflict being ignited in territories close to them. We have never sought this, and in practice, I want to emphasise this, we have never allowed ourselves to do this,” said Putin.

“It is unclear why the United States allows itself to do this. I hope that they will eventually come to the realisation that it is better not to do this if we do not want some global conflicts. The President-elect of the United States, Mr. Trump, has spoken in a similar vein. Let’s see how this will actually work, bearing in mind that the institution of the president in the United States is somehow bound by certain obligations. It is somehow bound by those people who contributed to his rise to power,” he added.

ALSO READ: Europe Braces For Complexities Of Trump 2.0

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Putin proposes bilateral talks with Modi during BRICS

The remarks by the Russian president came while he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposing a bilateral meeting on October 22, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. During the invitation, Putin also referred to PM Modi as a “good friend.”

The remarks by Putin came while he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting. Putin had a meeting with Doval at the Constantine Palace in Russia’s St. Petersberg.

Quoting President Putin, the Kremlin, in a statement, said, “We will be expecting Mr Modi in Kazan. I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting there on October 22 in order to close the books on our joint work in implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and outline some prospects for the near future.”

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kremlin.

“Please extend my warmest regards and best wishes to Mr Modi, my good friend,” the statement added.

Putin further said that the “special privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia is “gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about.” He added, “We are also pleased to see India’s success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”

The Russian president further highlighted the importance of security cooperation between India and Russia, emphasising that security issues have remained a top priority for both nations. “Security issues have always been, and continue to be, among our top priorities. We appreciate your visit to St. Petersburg following last year’s meeting in Moscow. Thank you for continuing to support this dialogue from the Indian side,” Putin said.

The Indian Embassy in Russia said that Doval and Putin, during their meeting, discussed issues of mutual interest. Sharing a post on X, it wrote, “Ajit Doval called on the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on September 12, as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed issues of mutual interest in the spirit of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.”

Earlier in the day, Doval had a bilateral meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest.

Notably, in July, Narendra Modi went to Russia and hailing the relationship between both nations, PM Modi asserted that their ties are important not just for India and Russia but for the entire world. He had said, “In the context of today’s global atmosphere, India and Russia’s partnership becomes all the more important. Both of us believe that continuous efforts should be made for global stability and peace. In the time to come, we will work together towards this.”

The Prime Minister had also asserted that in the past 2.5 decades, the relationship between India and Russia under the leadership of Putin has strengthened. He had said, “Under your (Putin) leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened over time.”

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs’ meeting, Doval also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday. During their discussions, Doval emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, as well as respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are essential for restoring normalcy in bilateral relations between India and China.

The meeting gave India and China an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which will create conditions to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realise complete disengagement in the remaining areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.

Doval conveyed that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in the past by the two governments.

The two sides also agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not just for the two countries but also for the region and the world. The two sides also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, the MEA release added.

Notably, Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023. (ANI)

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BRICS Parliament Possible, Says Putin

The Russian President stated that, by acting together, the recently-expanded group would be able to unlock its potential …reports Asian Lite News

The BRICS could establish their own parliament in the future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.

“Thus far, BRICS does not have its own institutionalised parliamentary structure. But I believe that in the future this idea will definitely be realised,” he said, in his address at the tenth parliamentary forum of the bloc here, RT reported.

He also said events such as the group’s parliamentary forum strengthen the influence of BRICS on global affairs and help “make the world safer and more harmonious”.

The Russian President stated that, by acting together, the recently-expanded group would be able to unlock its potential in economic, investment, and technology cooperation.

The group’s priorities include the achievement of “positive changes” in the world economy through the development of reliable financial instruments for settling payments within BRICS, he said.

Noting that the number of participants had increased this year, he said Russia, as the current chair of the group, would ramp up efforts to ensure that the four new members of the bloc were effectively integrated following their accession earlier this year.

BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. The group expanded this year when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became full members.

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US envoy cautions Modi-Putin bonhomie

Addressing a defence conclave in Delhi, the US envoy added that India likes its strategic autonomy, but there is no such thing as “strategic autonomy” during a conflict…reports Asian Lite News

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Thursday said that the India-US relationship was wider and deeper than it’s ever been, but it was not deep enough to be taken “for granted”. The remarks are being seen as a blunt message to India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia, which is facing several sanctions from the West over its Ukraine invasion.

Addressing a defence conclave in Delhi, the US envoy added that India likes its strategic autonomy, but there is no such thing as “strategic autonomy” during a conflict.

The sharp words of the American diplomat came just hours after PM Modi landed in Delhi after concluding his two-nation visit to Russia and Austria.

The envoy further added that in an interconnected world, “no war is distant any more” and that one must not just stand for peace, but also take concrete actions to make sure those who don’t play by peaceful rules, their war machines “cannot continue unabated”.

He said that is something the US and India need to know together.

“…It’s important for us as Americans and as Indians to remember the more we put into this relationship, the more we will get out. The more we insist on a kind of cynical calculation in the place of a trusted relationship, the less we will get… As I also remind my Indian friends, while it is wider, and it is deeper than it’s ever been, it is not yet deep enough that if we take it for granted from the Indian side towards America, I’ll fight a lot of defence battles trying to help this relationship ahead…,” he said.

“I know that India … and I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy. We will, in crisis moments, need to know each other. I don’t care what title we put to it, but we will need to know that we are trusted friends, brothers and sisters, colleagues that, in times of need, in the next day, be acting together,” Garcetti said.

“… we all know that we are interconnected in the world, no war is distant any more. And we must not just stand for peace, we must take concrete actions to make sure those who don’t play by peaceful rules, that their war machines cannot continue unabated. And that is something the US needs to know and that India needs to know together,” the envoy said.

The critical comments of the US Ambassador came against the backdrop of multiple ongoing conflicts in the world, including in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza.

Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged New Delhi to support international efforts for a peaceful resolution in the war-torn country, leveraging its longstanding relationship with Moscow to encourage President Putin to end the war.

Further speaking about the war, she emphasized that it is crucial for all allies, including India, to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. Further, the White House Secretary also reiterated that India is a strategic partner with whom the US engages in frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia.

“India is a strategic partner with whom we engage in full and frank dialogue, including their relationship with Russia and we’ve talked about this before. So we think it’s critical that all countries, including India, support efforts to realize an enduring and just peace when it comes to Ukraine. It is important for all our allies to realise this.”

Jean-Pierre stressed that President Putin alone can end the war, which he started. “The US believes India’s relationship with Russia positions it to encourage President Putin to take this step,” she added.

The White House further said that India’s ties with Russia give it the ability to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine. The statement came after PM Modi emphasised to President Putin that the solution to the Ukraine conflict lay in dialogue and not on the battlefield.

Jean-Pierre made the statement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his bilateral talks with Russian President Putin also raised the issue of killings of children during conflicts and said it is “heart-wrenching” when innocent children die. The Prime Minister said that everyone who believes in humanity is hurt when there is a loss of lives.

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Putin Proposes Future BRICS Parliament

He also said events such as the group’s parliamentary forum strengthen the influence of BRICS on global affairs and help “make the world safer and more harmonious”…reports Asian Lite News

The BRICS could establish their own parliament in the future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. “Thus far, BRICS does not have its own institutionalised parliamentary structure. But I believe that in the future this idea will definitely be realised,” he said, in his address at the tenth parliamentary forum of the bloc here, RT reported.

He also said events such as the group’s parliamentary forum strengthen the influence of BRICS on global affairs and help “make the world safer and more harmonious”. The Russian President stated that, by acting together, the recently-expanded group would be able to unlock its potential in economic, investment, and technology cooperation. The group’s priorities include the achievement of “positive changes” in the world economy through the development of reliable financial instruments for settling payments within BRICS, he said.

Noting that the number of participants had increased this year, he said Russia, as the current chair of the group, would ramp up efforts to ensure that the four new members of the bloc were effectively integrated following their accession earlier this year. BRICS was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. The group expanded this year when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became full members.

ALSO READ-‘UAE committed to BRICS collaboration on food and trade’

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PM receives Russia’s highest civilian award

Kremlin, Jul 09 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with Russia’s highest civilian award, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Kremlin on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Modi is the first Indian leader to be conferred with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, it was bestowed on him in 2019, but the PM received it physically on Tuesday…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day visit to Russia, expressed gratitude towards President Vladimir Putin for honouring him with Russia’s highest civilian award and said that the honour is of 140 crore Indians.

The Prime Minister also asserted that both countries believe that efforts should be made for global stability and peace.

Modi said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you (President Putin) for honouring me with Russia’s highest (civilian) award. This honour is not just mine, this is the honour of 140 crore Indians. This is the honour of the centuries-old deep friendship and mutual trust between India and Russia. This is the honour of our special and privileged strategic partnership.”

Notably, Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs took to his official X handle and posted pictures of Modi and President Putin. He said, “An honour symbolising the depth of India-Russia ties! PM Narendra Modi conferred with Russia’s highest national award, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle by President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin today.”

The PMO in a statement said that in a special ceremony in St. Andrew Hall in the Kremlin, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin conferred Russia’s highest national award “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” on Narendra Modi for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties. The award was announced in 2019.

Interestingly, the award was instituted over 300 years ago. Modi is the first Indian leader to be conferred with this award. The award was bestowed on Modi in the year 2019, but he received it physically on Tuesday.

Putin presented the award to Modi, for his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries.

“It is a testimony to Russia’s sincere gratitude to the sincere contribution you are making to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between our nations… you have always advocated broader contacts with our country. Back when you were Chief Minister of Gujarat, you came up with the initiative of twinning your state with Russian regions,” Putin said while conferring the award.

“Dear friend, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to congratulate you for this highest Russian award and wish you good health, success and all the best. To the friendly people of India, I wish peace and prosperity,” he added.

Meanwhile, hailing the relationship between both nations, Modi asserted that their ties are important not just for India and Russia but for the entire world. He said, “In the context of today’s global atmosphere, India and Russia partnership becomes all the more important. Both of us believe that continuous efforts should be made for global stability and peace. In the time to come, we will work together towards this.”

The Prime Minister also asserted that in the past 2.5 decades, the relationship between India and Russia under the leadership of Putin has strengthened. “He said, “Under your (Putin) leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened over time.”

He added, “Our mutual cooperation, based on people-to-partnership, is becoming the hope and guarantee of a better future of our people.”

Modi further said that in discussions, both the leaders have talked about strengthening the mutual cooperation in all sectors and have taken new and significant decisions. (ANI)

India, Russia set $100 bn trade target by 2030

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday outlined their goals to eliminate non-tariff trade barriers and achieve a mutual trade volume of over $100 billion by 2030.

The two leaders also decided to continue dialogue on the liberalization of bilateral trade, including the possibility of establishing the EAEU-India Free Trade Area, according to the Leaders’ Joint Statement released following the meeting.

“Aspiration for elimination of non-tariff trade barriers related to bilateral trade between India and Russia. Continuation of dialogue in the field of liberalization of bilateral trade, including the possibility of the establishment of the EAEU-India Free Trade Area. Achievement of a mutual trade volume more than $100 bn by 2030 (as mutually agreed), including increased supplies of goods from India to achieve balanced bilateral trade. Reinvigoration of investment activities of the Parties, i.e. within the framework of the special investment regimes,” the statement read.

They also decided to work on developing a bilateral settlement system using national currencies and the consistent introduction of digital financial instruments for mutual settlements.

The two countries will focus on increasing cargo turnover with India through the launch of new routes for the North-South International Transport Corridor, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai-Vladivostok Sea Line. They will also optimize customs procedures through the application of intelligent digital systems for barrier-free movement of goods.

They will work to raise the volume of bilateral trade in agricultural products, food, and fertilizers, and maintain an intensive dialogue aimed at removing veterinary, sanitary, and phytosanitary restrictions and prohibitions.

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Putin hosts PM in Moscow

Moscow, July 8 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the President's House, in Moscow on Monday. He will have a private meeting and dinner with the Russian President. (ANI Photo)

Talks between leaders to cover prospects for further development of traditionally friendly relations and current international and regional issues…reports Asian Lite News

President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day official visit to Russia, held an informal meeting on Monday at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of the Russian president near Moscow.

The Russian Foreign Ministry shared a video on X showing a warm greeting between Modi and Vladimir Putin. The clip, posted on Monday, shows the two leaders embracing each other as Modi arrives at the president’s residence, marking the start of their informal meeting.

Further, Putin expressed gratitude for hosting Modi and said, “You are welcome here, friend. I’m really happy to see you.”

“At the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of the President of Russia near Moscow, Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, who is on a two-day official visit to Russia, hold an informal meeting,” Russian Foreign Ministry said on X.

“The talks will cover prospects for further development of traditionally friendly Russian-Indian relations, as well as current international and regional issues,” it added.

In response to this, Modi also shared a post on X and expressed gratitude to the Russian President for hosting him, adding that he also stated that he looks forward to their talks, which will strengthen India-Russia friendship.

“Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia,” Modi said on X.

In a friendly gesture, Putin took Modi on a ride in his electric car around his residence, Novo-Ogaryovo. The Russian Embassy in India shared a video of the two leaders enjoying the drive, which followed a conversation between them.

“Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi

in NovoOgaryovo RussiaIndia DruzhbaDosti,” the Russian Embassy in India said on X while sharing the video.

Earlier in the day, Modi arrived in Moscow for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Russian President Putin to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov received Modi at the Vnukovo-II Airport. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport.

Notably, Modi and Putin have met 16 times over the past 10 years. The last in-person meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand in 2022. In 2019, PM Modi conferred the highest Russian state honor, ‘Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First.’

It is Narendra Modi’s first visit to Russia since the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv started in 2022. After concluding his visit to Russia, Modi will depart for Austria in what is the first visit to the nation by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who received PM Modi at the airport, accompanied him to the hotel, where the members of the Indian diaspora had gathered to welcome him.

Modi greeted members of the Indian diaspora, who were outside The Carlton Hotel to welcome him. He shook hands and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora. He met with children who were happy to see PM Modi.

Expressing gratitude to the Indian community in Russia, Modi in a post on X stated, “An unforgettable reception in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for the warm welcome.”

It is also the view of the global south and naturally needs to have both parties for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, the Indian government sources further said.

In his departure statement, Modi said, “Over the next three days, I will be in Russia and Austria. These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time-tested friendship. I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community living in these countries.”

Modi said that he wishes to discuss aspects of bilateral cooperation with his friend President Putin.

“I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. The visit will also provide me with an opportunity to meet the vibrant Indian community in Russia,” the PM said.

Modi added that the special and privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past ten years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Notably, India and Russia have a longstanding and time-tested relationship with more than 77 years of mutually beneficial diplomatic ties. The relations between the two nations were elevated to the level of “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010. (ANI)

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Putin and Xi to meet in Astana SCO summit

Putin’s attendance aims to show Russia’s resilience despite Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in Kazakhstan on Thursday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This marks their second meeting in two months, following Putin’s visit to Beijing in May to strengthen their partnership against the US-led global order and promote a “multipolar” world.

The SCO, established in 2001 by China and Russia, addresses security concerns in Central Asia. Members include Iran, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Observer states and dialogue partners include Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Putin’s attendance aims to show Russia’s resilience despite Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. An International Criminal Court warrant for war crimes against Putin has no effect in Kazakhstan, which is not a party to the Rome Statute.

The summit will highlight the strong ties between Putin and Xi as both face tensions with the West. Their partnership is crucial, with China providing diplomatic support and being a significant market for Russian oil and gas, and a key source of high-tech imports for Russia.

The SCO allows China to extend its influence, especially in Central Asia and the Global South, promoting itself as an alternative to the US and its allies. Erdogan might use the summit to meet with Putin, balancing relations with both Russia and Ukraine.

For Central Asian nations, the summit is a chance to strengthen ties with powerful neighbors. Kazakhstan, engaging with both Russia and China, also maintains relations with the West.

The summit will focus on countering terrorism, with Russia highlighting recent attacks it faced. While the SCO is not a collective security or economic alliance, it provides a platform for non-Western countries to gather and discuss significant issues.

This year, Belarus’s full membership signals Russia’s intent to bolster non-Western blocs. However, political differences within the SCO, such as the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, present challenges in achieving collective agreements.

The Central Asian countries maintain a delicate balance between relations with Russia and China and their ties with the West. UN Secretary-General Guterres might use the summit to address disruptions caused by Russia within the UN framework.

Although major talks on Ukraine are not expected, the war will likely be a topic in sideline discussions among the attending leaders, reflecting its global significance.

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Putin calls for resuming production of intermediate missiles

Putin’s statement comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine and concern about possible nuclear attacks…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called for resuming production of intermediate-range missiles that were banned under a now-scrapped treaty with the United States.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, or INF, which banned ground-based nuclear and conventional missiles with a range of 500-5,500 kilometers (310-3,410 miles), was regarded as an arms control landmark when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed it in 1988.

The U.S. withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing Russian violations.

“We need to start production of these strike systems and then, based on the actual situation, make decisions about where — if necessary to ensure our safety — to place them,” Putin said at a meeting of Russia’s national security council.

Putin said Russia hadn’t produced such missiles since the 2019 treaty scrapping, but that “today it is known that the United States not only produces these missile systems, but has already brought them to Europe for exercises, to Denmark. Quite recently it was announced that they are in the Philippines.”

Since withdrawing from the treaty, the U.S. Army has moved forward with developing a conventional, ground-launched, midrange missile capability called the Typhon that would have been banned under the INF. The Typhon fires two Navy missiles, the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile and Standard Missile-6.

The last remaining arms-control pact between Washington and Moscow is the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. It’s set to expire in 2026, and the lack of dialogue on anchoring a successor deal has worried arms control advocates.

Putin’s statement comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine and concern about possible nuclear attacks.

In June, Putin spoke to executives from international news organizations about Moscow’s use of nuclear weapons.

“We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says,” he said. “If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially.”

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