India's PM Modi calls on Putin to end war in Ukraine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine, stating that the war needs to end for humanity's sake. The two nations maintain strong economic ties, with India being one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, which has aided Moscow's budget after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions.

Mr Modi, during talks with Mr Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, called the president his "friend" and stressed India's support for any peace efforts. He emphasized the need to shift from endless war to peace, stating that "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."

Mr Putin thanked the Indian leader and confirmed they were progressing along the path of resolving the conflict. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during a separate meeting with Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at a G20 summit in the US, ruled out economic relief for Russia until the war ends, emphasizing that agreements on other issues are impossible without the cessation of hostilities.