PM Modi Urges Putin to Move From ‘Endless War’ Towards Peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that the world must move from “endless war towards the end of war” and pursue a peaceful settlement.

Modi made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan. Stressing India’s longstanding position, he said dialogue and diplomacy remained the way forward and that every day of conflict pushes humanity backwards.

“As the land of Gandhi and Buddha, India supports all efforts towards peace and will continue to do so,” Modi said, emphasising that a peaceful resolution of conflicts was a shared priority for humanity.

The two leaders also reviewed the progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, defence, energy, fertilisers, space, mobility and people-to-people ties. They welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters held in Moscow on August 24.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Putin also discussed developments in West Asia and the Black Sea region, particularly their impact on maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. The leaders agreed to maintain efforts to strengthen the countries’ “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” amid continuing geopolitical uncertainties.

Putin said bilateral relations had gained momentum, while Russian officials also highlighted the need to diversify the trade basket and expand Indian exports to Russia.

The meeting came ahead of Putin’s planned visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India also raised the issue of its nationals serving in the Russian military. Of the 227 Indian nationals identified as having been recruited, 139 have been discharged, while 51 have reportedly died. New Delhi is continuing discussions with Moscow for the release and repatriation of those who remain.