Modi urges Putin to end Ukraine war during Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit talks in Bishkek
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek that the war in Ukraine must end for humanity's sake, calling for a cessation of hostilities ahead of the SCO summit.
Bilateral exchange in Bishkek
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on 31 August 2026 in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The bilateral meeting took place ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, bringing both leaders together to review economic cooperation and international developments. Modi opened the exchange by calling Putin his friend and praised the significant economic progress and growing trade ties between India and Russia. He explained that these relations are guided by the principle of placing the mutual interests of both nations above all other matters. Modi then shifted the discussion directly to the war in Ukraine, urging Russia to bring an end to the hostilities.
Every day that the war continues, humanity is, in effect, set back a step, whilst every step towards peace gives all of humanity real hope for peace. We need to move from endless war to an end to the war, to a cessation of hostilities. And we will need to move precisely in this direction.
Appeals for dialogue and diplomacy
During the meeting, Modi emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy represent the only path forward to end the armed conflict. He reiterated India's consistent position, stating that New Delhi has supported every peace initiative and will continue doing so in the future. Modi invoked Mahatma Gandhi's message of peace, describing the pursuit of an end to the war as the fundamental call of humanity. As the Indian prime minister delivered his appeal for peace, Putin looked down toward the floor and tapped his feet during the exchange.
As you are aware, India supports all peace efforts in this regard, and we shall continue to do so in the future.
Putin acknowledged the comments briefly during their open remarks.
Thank you very much, Prime Minister. We are moving forward along this path.
Energy trade and military briefings
Following the initial public remarks, Putin briefed Modi on the progress of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, according to state news agency TASS. The Kremlin has consistently stated that Russia will only conclude the war on its own predetermined terms, terms that the Ukrainian government has dismissed as an unacceptable demand to capitulate. India, alongside China, has functioned as one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude oil since Moscow deployed tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022. This trade has enabled Moscow to generate state revenue and replenish its budget despite sweeping sanctions imposed by Western governments.
- Russia deploys tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, prompting Western economic sanctions
- Narendra Modi urges Vladimir Putin in Bishkek to move from endless war to a cessation of hostilities
- Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hold talks on trade and bilateral relations on the sidelines of the SCO summit
Diplomatic engagements at the SCO summit
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation gathering in Bishkek convenes member states across Eurasia to address regional security, political coordination, and trade. Alongside his bilateral meeting with Modi, Putin also held talks on 31 August 2026 with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. The discussion between Putin and Xi focused primarily on bilateral relations, expanding commercial trade, economic co-operation, and key international matters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state television that Putin and Xi touched upon the conflict in Ukraine only tangentially during their bilateral meeting.
