Modi Urges Putin to End Ukraine War at Bishkek Summit
The Story
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday that the war in Ukraine must end for humanity's sake. The talks took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Modi stated that New Delhi would support all peace efforts aimed at ending the hostilities. He called Putin their friend and praised the strengthening of economic ties between India and Russia, which he said are based on the need to put the interests of their peoples above all else. According to a Kremlin transcript, Modi said India supports all peace efforts in this direction and will continue to do so. He added, "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 has previously sought a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Putin thanked Modi in response, assuring him that Russia was moving forward along this path. The two leaders also discussed the impact of Black Sea attacks on maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers, which have killed at least five Indian seafarers. Modi and Putin traveled together in the Russian President's limousine to the World Nomad Games inaugural ceremony, a practice they also followed after a meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin last year. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that a trilateral meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir was possible only to formalize agreements.
The Spread
What they agree on
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
- Modi told Putin that the war in Ukraine must end for humanity's sake and that India supports peace efforts.
- Putin responded by thanking Modi and stating that Russia is "moving forward along this path."
- The two leaders discussed strengthening economic ties and the impact of Black Sea attacks on maritime trade.
Where they split
- Ukrinform and Hindustan Times emphasize Modi's direct call for an end to the war, using phrases like "must end" and "endless war towards the end of war."
- RT (Russia Today) focuses on Putin's response, stating that "Russia is moving towards resolving the Ukraine conflict" and highlighting Putin's praise for Modi's role in strengthening Russian-Indian relations.
- News18 and Moneycontrol provide details about the leaders' interactions, such as sharing a "warm hug" and engaging in "carpool diplomacy," while other outlets focus solely on policy statements.