“PM Modi recognised as leader who matters for global peace”: BJP foreign affairs dept chief Chauthaiwale

New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): After Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Russia’s highest civilian award, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Foreign Affairs Department in-charge, Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, said that the PM has been recognised as “a global leader who matters for global peace and prosperity.”

On being asked what the award moment signifies for India and its relations with Russia, Chauthaiwale told ANI, “There are two aspects linked to it, which include strengthening the bilateral relationship between India; and the second is that PM Modi has been recognised as the global leader who matters for global peace and prosperity.”

Notably, PM Modi on Tuesday received the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, Russia’s most prestigious civilian honour. He received the honour from President Vladimir Putin for his outstanding efforts to promote partnership and friendship between India and Russia. Upon receiving the honour, PM Modi thanked Putin and Russia saying that it was a ‘samman’ for 140 crore Indians and a reflection of the centuries-old friendship between the two countries.

Chauthaiwale further spoke about the relationship between PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin and said, “Prime Minister Modi and Putin have very good personal chemistry and it has been reflected in this visit also. The free and fair discussion on the topics shows the maturity of this relationship.”

Talking about India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, Chauthaiwale said that at the very beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi had made a statement that this is not an era of war and India has been consistent in its stand on the effort. He said, “India has expressed this stand in a very candid way in front of Russian leaders and they have also appreciated it. It shows that there is tremendous maturity in the relationship between of two countries.”

On being asked about the significance of PM Modi’s visit to Austria, Chauthaiwale told ANI that the Prime Minister is visiting Austria after a gap of 41 years and before that, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Austria. He added, “Later on, no one went and it shows the ignorance of the previous government, especially the Congress government towards that country. India-Austria has tremendous potential in the field of tourism, and trade. I am sure this visit will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.”

Prime Minister Modi concluded his two-day visit to Russia and emplaned for Austria on Tuesday. PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora at a hotel in Moscow before departing for Austria.

PM Modi stressed that the ties between India and Russia are giving new energy to global prosperity. He also praised the Indian community for giving new heights to the ties between India and Russia.