Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important meeting on Monday in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed several key issues, including the Ukraine war, the global situation, and strategic cooperation between India and Russia. Prime Minister Modi once again emphasized the need to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and move toward peace.
During the meeting, PM Modi said that India has maintained continuous dialogue with Russia over the Ukraine crisis. He stated that India supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace and will continue to do so. The Prime Minister stressed that a long-running war can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi Reiterates: ‘This Is Not an Era of War’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed his clear position on the Russia-Ukraine war to President Putin in September 2022. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, PM Modi had told Putin, “This is not an era of war.” At the time, the Prime Minister’s statement was widely regarded as significant at the international level.
Now, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has continued for several years, PM Modi has once again emphasized the need for peace. He stressed the importance of moving away from an endless war toward efforts aimed at ending the conflict. India has consistently maintained that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful efforts.
Meeting with Xi Jinping Before Putin
Before meeting President Putin, Prime Minister Modi also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting took place at a time when diplomatic activity surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war and other international issues has intensified globally.
In the meeting between PM Modi and Putin, discussions focused not only on the Ukraine crisis but also on strengthening the long-standing strategic relationship between India and Russia. Defence, trade, energy, technology, and several other sectors have remained important areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi said that India-Russia relations are not limited to the current circumstances. The two countries have maintained a strong strategic partnership for a long time. Therefore, amid the current global challenges, it is important for both nations to continue dialogue and cooperation.
India Emphasizes Peace Efforts
Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, India has consistently supported resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly stated that war cannot provide a permanent solution to any problem. India has emphasized the need to promote dialogue and diplomatic efforts between the two sides.
Prime Minister Modi’s conversation with Putin in Bishkek is being seen as another indication of this policy. The discussions between the two leaders on bilateral relations and international developments made it clear that India intends to maintain its traditional strategic relationship with Russia while continuing to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability at the global level.
