Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued efforts to encourage an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying Modi has “good ideas” for finding a mutually acceptable settlement.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club’s plenary session on October 1, Putin said Modi regularly raises the Ukraine conflict in his discussions with him despite the close relationship between India and Russia. Putin said the Indian Prime Minister has shown a strong interest in finding a peaceful solution and has suggested ideas aimed at bringing the conflict to an end.
Putin described India’s position as neutral while maintaining a focus on ending the conflict. He also thanked Modi for supporting efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
Modi Continues to Raise Ukraine Conflict
Putin’s comments came weeks after his September meeting with Modi in New Delhi during the 18th BRICS Summit.
During the meeting, Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy are important for resolving conflicts. The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation and a range of regional and global issues.
The Ukraine conflict has also featured in their earlier meetings. Modi and Putin met in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, where the issue was again discussed.
India has consistently maintained diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution. Modi has previously said that India is willing to support meaningful efforts aimed at restoring peace.
India’s Position on the Russia-Ukraine War
India has continued to describe dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi has also highlighted India’s relationships with both sides as a basis for supporting peace efforts.
In an earlier interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi described India’s approach as “principled and humanitarian” and said both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had shared their perspectives on the conflict with him.
India has continued this diplomatic approach in subsequent engagements with Russia.
Ukraine Discussions Continue Alongside India-Russia Ties
The discussions on Ukraine are taking place alongside wider India-Russia cooperation.
During their September meeting in New Delhi, Modi and Putin reviewed cooperation across areas including trade, energy, defence, technology, infrastructure, space and culture. They also discussed the implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030.
Putin also invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, with the dates to be finalised through diplomatic channels.
At the Valdai forum, Putin also said Russia wanted the Ukraine conflict to be resolved through negotiations. His remarks on Modi’s position came amid broader discussions about the conflict and international security.
The latest comments highlight the continued role of Ukraine-related discussions in India-Russia diplomatic engagement, while the two countries continue to work on their broader bilateral relationship.
