Modi Urges Putin to Move From Endless War to an End to the War in Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war during a meeting with Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Modi said India supports efforts aimed at achieving peace and urged a move away from prolonged warfare.

Modi Raises Ukraine War With Putin

Modi and Putin met in Bishkek on August 31, where they discussed bilateral relations as well as the war in Ukraine.

According to India’s public broadcaster Akashvani, Modi said India supports all efforts toward peace and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. He said the two countries had repeatedly discussed Ukraine in their previous meetings.

India Calls for an End to the Fighting

Addressing Putin, Modi argued that continued warfare sets humanity back, while steps toward peace create new hope.

He said the two sides should move away from an “endless war” toward an end to the war, presenting India’s position as support for resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Modi also described India’s position as a message of peace associated with the country’s traditions and referred to India as the land of Gandhi and Buddha.

Putin and Modi Also Discussed Bilateral Relations

The Ukraine war was one part of a broader meeting focused on India-Russia cooperation.

The leaders discussed trade, investment, energy and defence, while Modi said bilateral cooperation had continued to expand. Putin described relations between the two countries as based on a “special and privileged partnership.”

Putin Briefed Modi on Russia’s Position

After the meeting, the Kremlin said Putin had briefed Modi on the situation surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Russia continues to maintain its own conditions for ending the conflict, while Ukraine has rejected demands that would amount to accepting Russian terms for a settlement.

The meeting therefore produced a renewed public call from India for peace, but no announcement of a new Russia-Ukraine agreement or negotiations.

Modi and Putin to Meet Again at BRICS Summit

The two leaders also discussed India’s upcoming BRICS summit.

Putin is expected to travel to India for the meeting, which will provide another opportunity for the two countries to discuss bilateral relations and international issues.