- At the start of their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on Monday, Mr Putin looked tense and was constantly tapping his feet.
- Mr Modi called Mr Putin 'my friend' and hailed growing economic ties before addressing the war in Ukraine.
- Mr Modi urged an end to the war, stating that every day of conflict sets humanity back and that the world needs to move from endless war to a cessation of hostilities.
- Mr Putin responded positively, saying, 'We are moving forward along this path.'
- The Kremlin said Mr Putin briefed Mr Modi on the progress of the 'special military operation' – Russia's description for the Ukraine war.
- India is one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil, and that trade is helping Moscow replenish its budget despite sweeping Western sanctions.
- Russia says the only way to end the war is on Moscow’s terms, but Ukraine dismisses that as an unacceptable demand.
- Mr Modi called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict that began in early 2022 and reiterated India's support for all peace efforts.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war 'for humanity's sake.' Modi emphasized that 'every day that the war continues, humanity is, in effect, set back a step.' He called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, which began in early 2022, stating, 'India supports all peace efforts in this regard.'178910
Putin, appearing visibly tense during the meeting, acknowledged Modi's remarks, responding, 'We are moving forward along this path.' The two leaders discussed the ongoing war, with Modi highlighting the need to transition from 'endless war to an end to the war.' Despite the call for peace, Russia maintains that the only way to end the conflict is on its terms, a stance that Ukraine has rejected as unacceptable.
India's economic ties with Russia remain strong, with India being one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil, which helps Moscow replenish its budget amid Western sanctions. The Kremlin has described the Ukraine conflict as a 'special military operation' and briefed Modi on its progress, indicating a complex relationship between the two nations amidst the backdrop of the ongoing war.6
“India remains one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil, helping Moscow replenish its budget despite Western sanctions. The Kremlin said Putin briefed Modi on the progress of the 'special military operation,' while Russia insists the war ends only on its terms, a stance Ukraine rejects.”
The Independent
