Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a fresh message of peace during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues into its fifth year, Modi said the world must move away from prolonged conflict and work towards an early peaceful resolution.
“We must move away from endless war towards an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity,” Modi said during his bilateral meeting with Putin.
‘Land of Gandhi and Buddha’ shares message of peace
Emphasising India’s longstanding advocacy for dialogue and peace, Modi invoked the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha during his remarks.
“The land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message: the path of peace,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that India supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and called for all outstanding issues to be resolved peacefully at the earliest.
“Every day spent in war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm,” Modi said.
Modi and Putin hold first meeting of 2026
The Bishkek meeting marked the first face-to-face meeting between Modi and Putin this year.
The two leaders exchanged a warm hug before beginning their bilateral discussions. Their previous meeting took place in December 2025, when Putin visited India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
Recalling the Russian president’s visit, Modi described it as “highly successful and memorable” and said India-Russia cooperation was continuing to grow.
The Prime Minister said both countries had adopted a shared approach of placing their respective national interests at the forefront while working for the welfare of their people.
Modi invites Putin to BRICS Summit
During the meeting, Modi also invited Putin to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit that India is scheduled to host later this year.
The Prime Minister said Indians were looking forward to welcoming Putin and his delegation to India.
He expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen bilateral ties and deepen dialogue and cooperation within the BRICS framework.
Putin praises Modi’s focus on India-Russia ties
Putin, meanwhile, praised Modi’s attention to the relationship between India and Russia.
The Russian president said bilateral ties continued to strengthen on the basis of what he described as a “special and privileged partnership”.
Putin also thanked Modi for his efforts to bring the two countries closer and for giving particular attention to India-Russia relations.
He highlighted the business and friendly ties that have developed between the two countries and expressed appreciation for Modi’s role in strengthening the relationship.
India continues to call for peaceful resolution
Modi’s remarks at the SCO Summit underline India’s continued emphasis on peace and diplomacy amid the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.
While maintaining its strategic relationship with Moscow, New Delhi has repeatedly stressed the importance of dialogue and a negotiated resolution to conflicts.
At Bishkek, Modi again placed the humanitarian cost of prolonged war at the centre of his message, urging greater international efforts towards peace.
