World must move from endless war to end of war: PM Modi to Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed a peace-oriented message to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31, 2026. Modi emphasized the importance of ending protracted conflicts, particularly highlighting the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has entered its fifth year. Modi stated that “every day spent in war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm.” He called for a shift from “endless war” to an “end to the war,” describing such a transition as essential for the well-being of humanity. He reiterated that India supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stressed that a peaceful resolution to disputes is the collective responsibility of the international community. The meeting took place amid growing concerns over the impact of the Ukraine war on global stability and humanitarian conditions. Modi also referenced the historical significance of India, stating that “the land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message: the path of peace.” His comments reflected India’s consistent stance of advocating for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international conflicts. This was the first meeting between Modi and Putin in 2026. Their previous encounter occurred in December 2025, when Putin visited India for the 23rd India, Russia Annual Summit. During their current meeting, Modi expressed appreciation for Putin’s visit to India in 2025, calling it “highly successful and memorable.” He extended an invitation for Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in India, scheduled for September 12–13, 2026. Putin acknowledged Modi’s efforts in strengthening India-Russia relations, stating that the two countries continue to build upon a foundation of “special and privileged partnership.” He praised Modi’s focus on fostering closer ties between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including energy, innovation, space, fertilizers, and people-to-people interactions. The leaders also discussed regional and global challenges, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, where Indian seafarers have faced threats from both Russian and Ukrainian forces. The External Affairs Ministry confirmed that the two sides exchanged views on the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve such issues. Additionally, Putin highlighted the growing number of Indian students in Russia, noting that the count has risen nearly sevenfold in the past decade, with approximately 40,000 Indians currently studying in the country. He also pointed to positive trends in trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, citing a trade turnover increase of more than 2 percent. Tourism between the two countries has also seen growth, with a 16 percent rise in visitor numbers recorded in 2025. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining balanced relations with multiple global partners, including Russia, while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. He underscored that India’s foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests and the pursuit of peace. The meeting also touched upon the upcoming 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia, a milestone that Putin noted during his remarks. He described the SCO as a platform that fosters deeper engagement among countries of the Global South and East, contributing to a more equitable and multipolar world. As the SCO summit proceeded, the discussions between Modi and Putin reflected the evolving nature of India-Russia ties, shaped by shared strategic interests and the need to address common challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. Modi’s call for an end to the Ukraine war came as a notable moment in the bilateral exchange, underscoring India’s role as a mediator and advocate for peaceful resolutions in international conflicts. Putin, in response, affirmed that Russia is moving in the direction of peace, though the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains unresolved. The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of their bilateral relationship and the potential for enhanced collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS and the SCO.