PM Modi tells Putin: ‘Every day of war sets humanity back’, calls for end to Ukraine hostilities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 31) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to work towards ending the hostilities in Ukraine, stressing that resolving the conflict through peaceful means was in the interest of all of humanity.

The two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as India continues to balance its close strategic partnership with Russia with its longstanding call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the Ukraine war.

PM Modi calls for peaceful resolution

PM Modi told Putin that India supports resolving all issues related to the Ukraine conflict through peaceful means.

“Every day of war sets humanity back,” PM Modi said, emphasising the need to work towards ending the hostilities.

India has maintained a cautious position on Russia’s war in Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. New Delhi has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict.

PM Modi highlights progress in bilateral ties

Following the meeting, PM Modi said on social media platform X that the two leaders discussed the broad spectrum of bilateral relations.

“Had extensive discussions with President Putin. Discussed the full range of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi wrote.

“It is gladdening to see significant progress across various sectors in recent years,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi also identified several sectors that will remain central to India-Russia cooperation.

“Focus areas for the India-Russia friendship remain energy, innovation, space, fertilisers and people-to-people linkages,” he said.

Putin praises PM Modi’s role in ties

Putin, in response, thanked PM Modi for his personal attention to the relationship between the two countries.

“I’m very grateful to you for your personal attention to the Russia-India relationship,” the Russian president said.

The two leaders were seen hugging and shaking hands at the meeting, underscoring the warmth of the bilateral relationship.

PM Modi invites Putin to BRICS Summit

PM Modi also invited Putin to the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September.

“We are eager to welcome you to India for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this September,” PM Modi said, adding that Putin’s visit would further strengthen India-Russia relations.

Putin is expected to travel to New Delhi for the summit later this year.

The last India-Russia Annual Summit was held in New Delhi during Putin’s state visit on December 4-5, 2025. During that summit, the two countries adopted a joint statement titled “India-Russia: A Time-Tested Progressive Partnership, Anchored in Trust & Mutual Respect.”

India-Russia ties remain strong

Russia has remained a key pillar of India’s foreign policy, with cooperation spanning defence, trade, energy, science and technology, security and people-to-people relations.

The two countries established the India-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2000. During Putin’s visit to India in December 2010, the partnership was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

So far, 23 Annual Summits have been held alternately in India and Russia.

PM Modi attends SCO Summit in Bishkek

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday to attend the 26th SCO Summit, at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The summit brings together leaders of SCO member states to discuss regional and international issues and strengthen cooperation within the grouping.

The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.

Afghanistan and Mongolia have observer status, while countries including Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia are dialogue partners.