India, Dec. 5 -- India is on the side of peace and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with every effort aimed at ensuring peace in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday at the start of an annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin that is being closely watched by the US and Europe.

The two leaders met for the summit at Hyderabad House, hours after extensive informal discussions during a private dinner hosted by Modi at his official residence on Thursday night. In televised remarks at the start of the summit, Modi referred to Putin as "my friend" and lauded the Russian leader's role in guiding bilateral relations since 2001.

Putin said he had shared details of efforts currently underway, including with the US, to find a ...