Modi Calls on Putin to End Ukraine War as Russian President Looks Down: ‘We Must Leave This Endless War’

Narendra Modi delivered one of his most direct public appeals to Vladimir Putin, telling the Russian president that the war in Ukraine must end “in the name of humanity.”

Speaking ahead of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Modi first called Putin his friend and praised the countries’ economic progress. He then turned to the conflict, saying, “Every day that the war continues, humanity actually moves one step backward.” He called for a shift from an endless war to an end to hostilities. Putin, who appeared to look down and tap his feet during the remarks, replied, “Thank you very much, Prime Minister. We are moving in that direction.”

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Every day that the war continues, humanity actually moves one step backward, while every step toward peace gives all humanity real hope for peace. We must move from an endless war toward ending the war and ending hostilities.

Modi referred to Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa while saying India supported peace efforts. Russia maintains that the war can end only on its terms, a position Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. In recent days, Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified, while Ukraine has increased drone strikes targeting Russian energy infrastructure and Wildberries and Ozon warehouses.

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Thank you very much, Prime Minister. We are moving in that direction.

The appeal has not changed the broader economic relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. India remains among the biggest buyers of Russian oil and recently helped supply Russia with gasoline after Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. Those oil purchases have brought India into conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump, who abandoned a trade agreement in 2025 over the issue. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described India’s Russian oil purchases and participation in military exercises as obstacles to closer cooperation.

Modi did not suggest using trade as leverage against Moscow. He said energy, innovation, space, fertilizers and people-to-people ties remained the main areas of friendship. Putin is expected to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12 and 13, while Modi is due to meet European Union leaders in December.

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The main areas of friendship between Russia and India remain energy, innovation, space, fertilizers and people-to-people ties.