The ongoing conflict in Ukraine dominated discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday. Both leaders underlined the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement to bring the war to an end, with Putin publicly acknowledging India’s role in seeking peace and Modi calling the resolution of the crisis “the call of the entire humanity.”
Speaking at the SCO Summit, Putin said Moscow “highly values the efforts and proposals of China, India and other strategic partners, aimed at facilitating the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.” He also referred to recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, expressing hope that the “understandings” reached there could open a path to peace in Ukraine.
On the sidelines, Modi and Putin held a bilateral meeting that reinforced the close ties between New Delhi and Moscow. In his opening remarks, Modi said India and Russia had “always walked shoulder-to-shoulder” even in difficult times, describing the partnership as vital not only for their peoples but also for global peace and stability. He welcomed efforts aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, while cautioning that all sides must proceed “constructively” to restore peace.
“We hope that all the involved parties will proceed further constructively. We will have to figure out ways to end the conflict as soon as possible to restore regional stability and peace. This is the call of the entire humanity,” Modi said during his talks with Putin.
The Indian leader also used the opportunity to highlight broader bilateral cooperation, noting progress in areas such as trade, space, fertilisers, culture and security. After the meeting, he posted on X that India’s “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Russia remained “a vital pillar of regional and global stability.”
The camaraderie between the two leaders was also on display earlier in the day, with Modi sharing a photo of their handshake and hug on X, captioned: “Always a delight to meet President Putin!” Both leaders even travelled together in the same car to their meeting venue, underscoring the closeness of their ties.
Putin is scheduled to visit India again in December for the 23rd India-Russia Summit, with Modi noting that “1.40 crore Indians are eagerly waiting” for his arrival.
Significantly, Modi’s outreach on Ukraine has been complemented by direct conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Just before arriving in China for the SCO, Modi received a call from Zelensky, who briefed him on negotiations with Trump and European leaders in Washington. According to Zelensky, India expressed readiness to “convey the appropriate signal to Russia” during interactions at the SCO Summit. Modi later confirmed that the two exchanged views on the humanitarian impact of the conflict and India’s support for peace-building efforts.
India has consistently maintained its position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy to end the war, avoiding alignment with Western sanctions while continuing engagement with Russia. Modi has repeatedly emphasised that the suffering caused by the conflict extends beyond borders and must be addressed through constructive and peaceful means.
At the SCO gathering, where leaders discussed regional security and global governance, Putin’s remarks highlighted the growing role of non-Western platforms in shaping conversations on international crises. By recognising India’s role, Russia signalled appreciation of New Delhi’s balancing act, maintaining strong ties with Moscow while engaging actively with the West and Ukraine.
As the summit concluded, both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation, while aligning on the view that the Ukraine conflict must move towards resolution. For India, the message was clear: peace in Ukraine is not just a diplomatic necessity but a humanitarian imperative.
