PM Modi tells Putin India backs every effort to end war in Ukraine - The Hindu

**New Delhi‑Moscow Dialogue at the SCO Summit**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a high‑profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to reiterate India’s unwavering support for every diplomatic effort aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. In a brief exchange that was closely watched by global media, Modi told Putin that India, “from the land of Gandhi and Buddha,” urges a shift from the language of an “endless war” to the “end of war,” underscoring New Delhi’s long‑standing principle of strategic autonomy and its commitment to peace and stability in Europe. The prime minister’s remarks came after a series of multilateral consultations at the summit, where the SCO’s 20 member states have been discussing security, economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Modi’s outreach to Moscow arrives amid a delicate diplomatic balancing act. Since the outbreak of hostilities in February 2022, India has maintained a neutral stance, abstaining from UN votes condemning Russia while simultaneously deepening trade ties with Moscow, particularly in energy and defence. By publicly urging a cessation of hostilities, New Delhi seeks to position itself as a potential mediator without alienating its long‑time strategic partner. The prime minister’s reference to “the land of Gandhi, Buddha” was intended to invoke India’s historic ethos of non‑violence and moral authority, signalling that its peace overtures are rooted in a broader civilizational narrative rather than narrow geopolitical calculus.

The Bishkek talks also featured a side meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin, during which the two leaders discussed a visa‑free travel regime for their citizens and broader global‑regional issues, reflecting the deepening Sino‑Russian partnership within the SCO framework. Observers note that India’s engagement with both Moscow and Beijing at the summit underscores its effort to navigate a multipolar world while safeguarding its own strategic interests. The prime minister’s message to Putin, however, was clear: India will continue to back any constructive initiative—whether through the United Nations, the OSCE, or direct bilateral talks—that can bring about a durable and negotiated end to the conflict in Ukraine.