Modi urges Putin to end Ukraine conflict during Bishkek meeting

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a press conference in Bishkek on Monday to ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, saying that each day of conflict set humanity back and that peace offers hope. > "Every day that the war continues, humanity is, in effect, set back a step, whilst every step towards peace gives all of humanity real hope for peace," Modi said. He added that India supports all peace initiatives and cited the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa in urging a settlement.

Putin responded that Russia was moving forward along the path of peace, though Moscow maintains that any resolution must meet its own conditions, a stance Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. The call came as fighting in Ukraine has intensified and reports suggest Russia may mobilise additional troops.

Despite the diplomatic appeal, India remains a major purchaser of Russian oil and has recently increased gasoline supplies to Moscow after Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. The two countries continue to cooperate in sectors such as energy, innovation, space, fertilizers and cultural exchanges. Putin is slated to attend the BRICS summit in Delhi in September, while Modi is expected to meet EU leaders later in the year.