Bessent reportedly tells Russia no economic relief until Ukraine war ends as Europe snubs Moscow at G20

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to transition away from an "endless war" and focus on ending the conflict in Ukraine during a bilateral meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This is not the first time Modi has addressed Putin on the issue; he previously raised the matter in September 2022 and again in a July 2024 meeting in Moscow, emphasizing that peace talks cannot succeed amidst violence.

Modi told Putin at the start of their meeting, "We have been discussing the Ukraine issue. When we met previously, you briefed me in detail on all aspects of the matter. As you know, India supports all efforts towards peace, and will continue to do so." He went on to explain that every day of war sets humanity back, while every step towards peace fills humanity with hope and enthusiasm.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the path to peace is the call of humanity, echoing the teachings of Gandhi and Buddha. Modi highlighted the successful visit by Putin to India in December 2025, noting that their cooperation continues to grow and that they are working together for the welfare of both nations. He also mentioned that India has been buying Russian energy to mitigate the impact of the war on Indians' lives.

Putin responded positively to Modi's remarks, stating that relations between the two countries continue to strengthen on the principles of a special and privileged strategic partnership. He noted that trade and economic cooperation are showing positive trends, with a 2.6% increase in trade turnover in the first half of 2026. Additionally, Putin discussed humanitarian cooperation, pointing out that India is among the top countries with the most students studying in Russia, numbering nearly 40,000 over the past decade.

Both India and Russia regularly host cultural festivals and see a growing trend in tourist exchanges, up by 16% in 2025. The leaders also touched on multilateral cooperation, including their joint efforts within the UN, BRICS, G20, and SCO, all aimed at deepening regional and global connections and fostering a multipolar world. They shared perspectives on key regional and global issues, such as conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and regional security.