Modi's Peace Appeal at SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he called for an immediate end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, urging a shift from 'endless war' to an 'end to the war.'
In his televised opening remarks, Modi said, "We have always discussed the Ukraine issue. When we last met, you had extensively briefed me on all aspects of it. India supports all efforts for peace and will continue to do so." He added, "Every day spent on war pushes humanity backwards, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm. We must move from endless war towards the end of war, which is very crucial for the well-being of humanity."
Modi stressed that a peaceful resolution of all issues as soon as possible was humanity's shared priority. "A peaceful resolution of all issues as soon as possible is the call of humanity, and this is also India's message. The land of Gandhi and Buddha has a single message: the path of peace," he said, as reported by India Today and the Hindustan Times.
Bilateral Ties and Upcoming BRICS Summit
The two leaders reviewed India-Russia ties across a range of areas, including trade, investment, energy and fertiliser security, according to reports. Modi also referred to Putin's visit to India last year, calling it "highly successful and truly memorable," and said that cooperation continued to "scale new heights." He added, "Focusing on national interest as the paramount priority has been our shared approach, and this will remain our guiding principle in the future as well."
Modi invited Putin for the BRICS summit slated for later this year in India, saying that the entire country was "eager" to welcome him. "India is hosting the BRICS Summit in a few days, and all Indians are eager to welcome you and your delegation. Your visit will strengthen our bilateral relations and further reinforce dialogue and cooperation within the BRICS framework," he said.
The meeting came over a week before Putin is due to travel to India for the BRICS summit, which is scheduled for September 12 and 13, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, as reported by India Today.
Putin, for his part, said that ties between India and Russia continue to strengthen "on the basis of the principles of a special and privileged partnership," underscoring an upswing in bilateral relations.
The two leaders also travelled together in Putin's limousine to the opening ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena, following their bilateral meeting, as reported by Free Press Journal.
Indian Nationals in Russian Military
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing reporters, said that Putin spoke about diversifying trade and increasing exports from India to Russia. He also provided an update on Indian nationals in the Russian military, saying 227 Indian nationals had been recruited, 139 discharged, and 51 perished, as reported by India Today. Misri said the embassy in Moscow was monitoring the release and repatriation of Indian citizens.
This disclosure comes amid ongoing concerns about Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces, although no further details were provided in the reports.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility, and people-to-people ties, and exchanged views on BRICS and regional/global issues, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward, according to the MEA. The leaders agreed to remain engaged to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
Putin's Previous Visit and Diplomatic Context
The last time Modi and Putin met was in December 2025 when the Russian President visited India on a two-day state visit for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, as reported by Hindustan Times. During the current meeting, the two leaders shared a warm hug ahead of their talks, according to the same report.
Modi's remarks come as India has consistently maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for dialogue and diplomacy. His invocation of Gandhi and Buddha underscores India's traditional emphasis on peaceful resolution of disputes, a theme he has often used in international forums.
The meeting in Bishkek also served as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss ongoing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and security, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the trajectory of bilateral relations, as noted by Free Press Journal.
As Putin prepares to visit India for the BRICS summit, the two leaders have laid the groundwork for further engagement, with Modi expressing confidence that the upcoming visit would further reinforce dialogue and cooperation within the BRICS framework.