PM Modi Tells Putin: Move From 'Endless War' To 'End Of War' In Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move away from the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict and work towards bringing the war to an end, stressing that continued fighting is a setback for humanity. Modi made the remarks during his meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting focused on the Ukraine conflict as well as the broader India-Russia strategic partnership.

Speaking to Putin, Modi said the world needed to move from an “endless war” towards an “end of war”. He reiterated Indias support for efforts aimed at establishing peace and said dialogue and diplomacy remained the way forward for resolving conflicts. The Prime Ministers latest appeal follows Indias consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine war since the conflict began. New Delhi has maintained close relations with Moscow while repeatedly calling for dialogue and a peaceful settlement. Modi had earlier told Putin in 2022 that the present era was “not an era of war”, a remark that became a key reference point in Indias diplomatic messaging on the conflict.

The meeting in Bishkek came amid continuing international efforts to find a pathway towards ending the war. While Russia and Ukraine remain divided over several major issues, including territory and security arrangements, India has continued to advocate negotiations rather than a military solution. Modi and Putin also reviewed the state of India-Russia relations and discussed cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Defence, energy, trade, technology and other strategic sectors remain important elements of the bilateral relationship.

The two leaders meeting also comes ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit, which India is scheduled to host. Modi invited Putin to attend the summit, providing another potential opportunity for the two leaders to hold discussions on bilateral ties and major international developments. Russia remains one of Indias longstanding strategic partners, particularly in the defence and energy sectors. At the same time, India has sought to maintain an independent foreign policy on the Ukraine conflict, engaging with both Russia and other major global powers.

No new peace agreement or breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine conflict was announced following the Modi-Putin meeting. However, Modis remarks reinforced Indias call for an end to the fighting and a greater focus on diplomacy. The message from Bishkek was clear: India wants the prolonged conflict to give way to meaningful negotiations and ultimately a durable peace. For New Delhi, maintaining communication with Moscow while encouraging an end to hostilities remains a central part of its diplomatic approach to the Ukraine crisis.

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