“Advantage of being friends…” PM Modi’s polite reply to Australian media on Russia-Ukraine conflict

May 23, 2023

New Delhi, May 23 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 22 landed in Australia’s Sydney. He received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora in Australia. This is the final leg of Prime Minister Modi’s three nations tour. PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with his Australian Counterpart Anthony Albanese. Ahead of the bilateral meeting, PM Modi gave an interview to the Australian. PM Modi was questioned about India’s stance on Ukraine-Russia conflict. “Advantage of being friends is that we can discuss freely and appreciate each other's viewpoint” PM Modi replied. PM Modi also denied that India-Australia ties would be harmed because of India’s position on Russia. “An advantage of being good friends is that we can discuss freely and appreciate each other’s viewpoint. Australia understands India’s position and it does not impact our bilateral relationship,” said PM Modi to The Australian. Notably, India has put its efforts to stabilise the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Recently, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. About the India-Australia relationship, Narendra Modi said that he wants to elevate the ties to “next level”. During his visit to Australia, PM Modi also met several Australian business leaders.