The visit is tentatively scheduled to coincide with Ukraine’s Independence Day and comes after an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue on Thursday, emphasizing that countries have the "freedom of choice" in shaping their bilateral relations according to their interests.

The conversation, which took place days after Modi's diplomatic mission, focused on a variety of bilateral, regional, and international concerns, particularly upcoming engagements under the Quad framework.

Roman Babushkin, Russia's Charge d'affaires, stated that Moscow never intended for Indians to serve in its armed forces, characterizing their presence as insignificant amid broader geopolitical tensions.

The acknowledgment came during their talks at the Kremlin, as reported by the official TASS news agency.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene regarding Russia's recent bombing of a children's hospital in Ukraine, an act condemned by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as "particularly shocking." Ukraine's largest children's health facility was struck amidst a barrage of approximately 40 Russian missiles across the country on Monday.

PM Modi's remarks came as the Western world continues its efforts to isolate Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent departure for a two-nation tour to Russia and Austria marks a significant diplomatic mission aimed at fortifying India's relations with these nations.

Modi is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit, which will extend into Tuesday. India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra told reporters in New Delhi that given the lack of recent summits, several issues on the bilateral agenda “have piled up, which need to be addressed.” Senior Indian diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while major announcements are unlikely, Modi’s visit is intended to send a signal that the two sides remain close.