Why is Modi embracing Putin?

HOURS BEFORE INDIA'S PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA Modi landed in Moscow on July 8, Russia fired missiles on Ukraine that killed at least 41 people, including four children at a children's hospital in Kyiv.

- ASTHA RAJVANSHI

Condemnations were still arriving from around the globe as Modi smiled and posed for photos with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During Modi's two-day visit to the Kremlin-his first trip to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022-the two leaders hugged each other outside Putin's residence before holding informal talks. Putin told Modi he was "very happy" to see his "dear friend," according to Russia's TASS state news agency, while Modi called the visit a "wonderful opportunity to deepen ties" between the two countries in a post on the two countries in a post on the social media platform X.