**Modi Advocates for Peace in Ukraine During Meeting with Putin at SCO Summit**
**Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan** – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where he emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and served as a platform for both leaders to discuss the strengthening ties between their nations.
During the meeting, Modi acknowledged that President Putin has consistently kept him informed about developments in the Ukraine situation. Expressing India's stance on the conflict, Modi stated, “Any day spent in war pushes humanity backward; one step towards peace brings hope.” He called for a transition from “endless war to the end of war,” underscoring that achieving peace is in the best interest of humanity.
The conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly five years, has drawn significant international attention and concern. Modi's comments reflect a continuation of India's position on the matter, as he had previously urged for a peaceful settlement during the SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022, where he remarked, “Today’s era is not an era of war.”
Amidst increasing pressure from Western nations for India and other countries in the Global South to distance themselves from Russia, Modi reaffirmed that the national interests of both India and Russia have always been the foundation of their bilateral relationship. He emphasized that this principle would guide their future interactions as well.
In response, President Putin highlighted the growing economic and trade cooperation between India and Russia. He noted that trade turnover between the two countries increased by 2.6% in the first half of 2023, with a bilateral trade target set at $100 billion to be achieved by 2030. Modi's government has positioned India as the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, especially in light of disruptions to oil supplies from the Middle East due to ongoing conflicts.
Putin also pointed out that the relationship between the two nations is diversifying beyond energy, with a notable 16% increase in tourist traffic between India and Russia last year. He praised Modi for his commitment to enhancing Russian-Indian relations, describing them as based on the principles of a “special and privileged partnership.”
Following their discussions, Modi shared on social media that the focus areas for the India-Russia partnership include energy, innovation, space, fertilizers, and enhancing people-to-people ties. This reflects a broader strategy to deepen collaboration across various sectors, ensuring a robust and multifaceted relationship.
The meeting between Modi and Putin at the SCO summit underscores the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the shifting geopolitical landscape. As both leaders continue to navigate these challenges, their commitment to fostering a strong bilateral relationship remains evident.