Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the continuing Russia-Ukraine war and growing international concerns over the prolonged conflict.
Modi Calls for End to War
During his meeting with Putin, Modi delivered a clear message on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He said the world must move away from endless war towards an end to the war, stressing that a peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest was essential for humanity.
Modi also said that every day spent in conflict pushes humanity backwards, while every step towards peace creates new hope.
Message From Gandhi and Buddha’s Land
Modi invoked India’s long-standing tradition of non-violence and peace while speaking about the conflict.
He said he was carrying a message of peace from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautama Buddha.
According to Modi, both traditions convey the same message — that the path of peace is the way forward. His remarks underlined India’s continued emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving international conflicts.
India Supports Peace Efforts
India has consistently called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
Modi reiterated that India supports all efforts aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine and would continue to support such initiatives.
New Delhi has maintained relations with Moscow while simultaneously advocating a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reflecting its independent foreign policy approach.
Bilateral Relations Also Discussed
The meeting between Modi and Putin was not limited to the Ukraine conflict.
The two leaders also discussed the broader India-Russia strategic partnership and areas of bilateral cooperation.
Putin said Russia-India relations continued to strengthen on the basis of what he described as a special and privileged partnership. He also credited Modi’s attention to bilateral relations for helping deepen the relationship.
Putin Highlights People-to-People Ties
Putin also highlighted the growing educational, cultural and tourism links between the two countries.
He said the number of Indian students studying in Russia had increased significantly in recent years, reaching around 40,000.
The Russian President also noted that India and Russia coordinate closely at international platforms including the United Nations, BRICS, G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
India’s Position on the Ukraine Conflict
India has sought to maintain a careful balance in its approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.
While New Delhi continues to maintain its longstanding strategic relationship with Moscow, it has repeatedly stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and diplomacy.
Modi’s latest comments reinforced that position, with the Prime Minister placing the humanitarian consequences of prolonged conflict at the centre of his message.
Significance of the Bishkek Meeting
The Modi-Putin meeting was significant because it came at a time when the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to remain unresolved.
The SCO summit provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss both bilateral relations and broader international developments.
The meeting also demonstrated the continuing high-level engagement between India and Russia despite the changing geopolitical environment.
India’s Peace Message
Modi’s remarks made India’s position clear: the continuation of war cannot be a sustainable solution.
India wants the conflict to move towards a peaceful resolution and has continued to advocate diplomacy rather than prolonged military confrontation.
The Prime Minister’s reference to Gandhi and Buddha also placed India’s appeal for peace within the country’s broader civilisational tradition.
Close India-Russia Engagement Continues
The meeting also highlighted the continued warmth in India-Russia relations.
Following their bilateral discussions, Modi and Putin travelled together to the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games in Bishkek, further reflecting the close personal engagement between the two leaders.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his meeting with Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit in Bishkek to deliver a strong message for peace, urging the world to move away from endless war and towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Invoking the legacy of Gandhi and Buddha, Modi said the message from India was one of peace and called for a peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest.
At the same time, the meeting reaffirmed the continuing strength of India-Russia relations. Putin described the partnership as special and privileged, while highlighting growing cooperation in education, culture, tourism and international forums.
