New Delhi, Dec. 5 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday affirmed the strong and evolving partnership between India and Russia, emphasizing the need for their relations to reach new heights.

Speaking at the start of annual India-Russia summit on Friday, PM Modi addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin with a clear message: "India is on the side of peace and the world should return to peace," underscoring India's stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Welcoming President Putin to India during his two-day state visit, PM Modi highlighted the time-tested friendship between the two nations. In a symbolic gesture, he presented Putin with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian, noting, "The teachings of the Gita inspire mi...