During a side meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine. Emphasizing a message rooted in India’s tradition of non-violence, Modi told the 73-year-old Russian leader that “every day of war sets humanity back” and called for an immediate shift from ongoing hostilities toward a peaceful resolution.
The Indian Prime Minister stressed that resolving international disputes through diplomacy is essential for global well-being. Invoking the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautama Buddha, Modi highlighted that the call for peace remains India’s central diplomatic priority and argued that the international community must transition away from endless warfare.
Putin appeared visibly uncomfortable during the exchange, reportedly looking away as the translation was delivered. Upon removing his earpiece, the Russian president briefly responded by thanking Modi and claiming that Russia was already working toward a peaceful direction.
