Modi urges Putin to end Ukraine war at Kyrgyzstan summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope to Russian President Vladimir Putin for an end to the conflict in Ukraine during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Modi emphasized the need for a transition from an ongoing war to a resolution. Putin responded by stating that Russia was already making progress towards ending the war.

The war in Ukraine began following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. India and China maintain trade relations with Russia, while the US and the EU have imposed sanctions on Russia due to the conflict. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin highlighted their successful cooperation during a separate meeting at the same summit.

Putin highlighted ongoing projects in various sectors like energy, industry, and transport. Despite the geopolitical challenges, Putin expressed confidence in the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China, describing it as a model for interstate relations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that the war in Ukraine played a minor role in the SCO summit, primarily focusing on bilateral relations and economic matters, which are not publicly discussed.

China faces criticism from the EU, Ukraine, and the US for bypassing sanctions by selling oil and gas to Russia. Kyrgyzstan, the host of the SCO summit, is commemorating the 35th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union. Putin is set to meet Erdogan, Pezeshkian, and Pashinyan on Tuesday.