Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told Russian President Vladimir Putin that India supports every effort aimed at bringing an end to the war in Ukraine, as the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The meeting between Modi and Putin focused on several important areas of India-Russia relations, including trade, investment, energy and defence cooperation. The discussions also came at a significant time, with the Ukraine conflict continuing to remain a major international concern.
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According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Modi reiterated India’s position in favour of efforts to establish peace and end the hostilities in Ukraine.
“Every day of war sets humanity back, and we must work toward ending hostilities,” Modi said, underlining India’s call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The meeting took place just over a week before Putin is expected to travel to India for the annual BRICS summit. His upcoming visit is likely to provide another opportunity for the two leaders to discuss bilateral relations as well as major international developments.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, officials had indicated that the discussions would cover the traditional pillars of the India-Russia partnership. Defence cooperation remains a key component of the relationship, while energy, trade and investment have also emerged as important areas of engagement.
The talks come amid continuing efforts by several countries to encourage a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India has maintained its position that dialogue and diplomacy are important for resolving the crisis.
New Delhi has also continued to maintain close relations with Moscow while simultaneously engaging with Ukraine and other major global powers. India has repeatedly advocated diplomacy and dialogue as the way forward in addressing international conflicts.
The Modi-Putin meeting in Bishkek therefore carries significance beyond the bilateral relationship, particularly as the Ukraine war continues to shape geopolitical and economic discussions around the world.
The two leaders’ discussions also come against the backdrop of growing global attention on energy security and international trade. Russia remains an important partner for India in the energy sector, while defence cooperation has traditionally been one of the strongest pillars of bilateral ties.
The leaders are expected to continue discussions on strengthening economic engagement and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Putin’s forthcoming visit to India for the BRICS summit is likely to further deepen discussions between the two countries. The visit could provide an opportunity to review progress in existing areas of cooperation and explore new avenues for bilateral engagement.
For India, maintaining strategic ties with Russia while supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict remains an important element of its foreign policy approach.
The Bishkek meeting thus combined discussions on the long-standing India-Russia partnership with a broader message on the need for peace, with Modi making clear that India supports efforts to bring the Ukraine war to an end.
