Modi-Putin Meeting Highlights Strategic Partnership, Ukraine Peace Talks at SCO Summit

Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Monday, reaffirming the depth of India-Russia ties and discussing global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

PM Modi underlined that the long-standing partnership between India and Russia has remained resilient through challenges and continues to play a crucial role in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability worldwide. “In the most difficult times also, India and Russia have always walked shoulder-to-shoulder. Our close cooperation is not only important for the people of both countries but also for the world,” he said.

The Prime Minister also welcomed recent international efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis, calling for constructive engagement by all parties. “We hope that ways are found to end the conflict at the earliest and restore regional stability. This is the call of humanity,” he added.

During their meeting, Modi told Putin that every interaction between the two leaders had been meaningful, allowing for an exchange of ideas and perspectives. He also noted that 1.40 crore Indians are eagerly awaiting the Russian President’s scheduled visit to India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Summit, describing it as a reflection of the “special and privileged strategic partnership.”

At the SCO Summit earlier in the day, President Putin acknowledged the constructive role played by India and other partners in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. “We highly value the efforts and proposals of China, India and our other strategic partners, aimed at facilitating the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” he remarked. He also referred to understandings reached with US President Donald Trump during a summit in Alaska, expressing hope that they would open a path to peace.

On social media, PM Modi shared a photograph of his warm exchange with Putin, writing on X, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!” The two leaders were also seen arriving together in the same car for the bilateral discussions.

Significantly, ahead of his arrival at the SCO Summit, PM Modi had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who updated him on negotiations with the US and European leaders in Washington. Zelensky conveyed that India’s role in conveying signals to Moscow and other capitals could be crucial in shaping the next steps toward peace.

New Delhi has consistently reiterated its stand in favour of diplomacy and dialogue, with PM Modi once again reaffirming that India is ready to support all initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.