India's Modi tells Russia's Putin that the war in Ukraine must end for humanity's sake - Reuters

**New Delhi –** Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a high‑profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to press for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Speaking on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Modi told Putin that the conflict “must end for humanity’s sake,” urging Moscow to move from an “endless war” to an “end of war.” The Indian leader’s remarks, reported by Reuters and echoed in Indian outlets such as *The Hindu* and *The Times of India*, highlighted the humanitarian toll of the fighting and the need for a diplomatic solution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

During the same talks, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed broader regional cooperation, including the possibility of visa‑free travel for their citizens, underscoring the multi‑layered nature of the gathering. While Modi’s appeal focused squarely on Ukraine, he also raised concerns about escalating tensions in West Asia, calling for restraint and dialogue across the wider region. The Indian prime minister’s call for peace came amid a delicate balancing act for New Delhi, which has maintained strategic ties with Moscow while deepening its partnerships with the United States and European nations.

Analysts say Modi’s public urging of a cease‑fire reflects India’s growing desire to play a more proactive role in global security issues without alienating any major power. By framing the plea in humanitarian terms rather than overt criticism of Russian policy, New Delhi aims to preserve its long‑standing defence and energy relationship with Russia while signalling to the West its commitment to a rules‑based international order. The conversation in Bishkek may not yield an immediate shift in Russian policy, but it marks one of the most direct diplomatic engagements on the Ukraine conflict involving the Indian prime minister to date.