Modi Urges Putin to End War in Ukraine at SCO Summit

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and made a direct call for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. Excerpts from the transcript of their conversation were later released by the Kremlin.

PM Modi stressed that prolonging the war represents a backward step for humanity, emphasizing the urgent need to halt military operations and pursue a peaceful resolution.

"We do not need endless war; we need its conclusion. Every day the war continues, humanity takes a step backward. We must transition from perpetual conflict toward its resolution and the immediate cessation of military actions," Modi stated.

Reaffirming India's core diplomatic principles, the Prime Minister noted that all international disputes must be settled through peaceful dialogue.

"India is the land of Gandhi. This is our fundamental principle," he added.

In response to these remarks, President Putin briefly stated, "We are following this path."

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and military hostilities have continued since then.