Narendra Modi says “every single day spent in war pushes humanity back” on Ukraine

During bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Narendra Modi said India would keep backing peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that prolonged fighting harms humanity while diplomatic progress offers hope. The Indian prime minister and Russian president met Monday, days before Putin is expected in India for the BRICS summit. They reviewed defence, energy, trade and investment ties. Putin described India-Russia relations as a special, privileged partnership, citing 2.6 percent trade growth in the first half of 2026 and rising people-to-people exchanges, including about 40,000 Indian students in Russia and a 16 percent increase in tourism. Modi welcomed Putin’s upcoming visit.