PM Modi Tells Putin: War Hurts Humanity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday, August 31. During their bilateral talks, Modi reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Modi and Putin discussed their longstanding strategic partnership, including energy, defence, trade, and fertiliser supplies, besides major global developments. The Ukraine war was a key part of the discussions, with Modi stressing that the conflict can only be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive engagement.

Modi has consistently maintained that the prolonged conflict is affecting not just the countries directly involved but also the wider world. He welcomed recent initiatives seeking a resolution and called on all sides to move forward constructively. India has repeatedly argued that a lasting solution cannot emerge from the battlefield and has urged Russia and Ukraine to return to negotiations.

India has maintained its independent position on the Russia-Ukraine war while continuing its longstanding strategic and economic partnership with Moscow. India remains a major buyer of Russian crude oil and has deep defence ties with Russia. At the same time, New Delhi has repeatedly highlighted the global consequences of the conflict, particularly its impact on food, fuel, and fertiliser security.

Modi's latest message is consistent with his earlier public interventions on the conflict. During his meeting with Putin in 2022, he famously told the Russian president that “this is not an era of war”, urging a return to dialogue. He has since repeatedly emphasised that humanity needs peace and that conflicts must be resolved through diplomacy rather than military means.

The latest Modi-Putin talks come as efforts continue internationally to find a pathway towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with India positioning itself as a voice for dialogue, peace, and stability.

The meeting between Modi and Putin was marked by a warm hug, symbolising the strong relationship between the two leaders. The meeting was significant, given the current global tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India's position has been clear: it supports a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. India has been maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia while also highlighting the need for peace and stability in the region.

The international community has been watching the developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict closely, and India's role in promoting peace and stability has been appreciated. As the conflict continues, India is likely to play an increasingly important role in promoting dialogue and diplomacy.

In conclusion, the meeting between Modi and Putin was significant, and India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a step in the right direction. The international community must come together to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and India's efforts in this regard are commendable.