Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine during a tense meeting in Kyrgyzstan, telling him that Moscow should move from an “endless war to an end to the war”.
Putin appeared uncomfortable as Modi made the remarks, looking down and tapping his feet. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, and the conflict has now continued for more than four years.
With no clear end in sight, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, including a missile strike on Kyiv that killed seven people. Modi’s comments were notable as India remains a major Russian trading partner but has increasingly called for an end to the conflict.
At a press conference ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world must move from “endless war to an end to the war” and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
Modi called Putin “my friend” and highlighted the growing economic ties between India and Russia, which share a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”. Putin said the two countries would continue on the same path.
The Kremlin has said Russia will end the Ukraine war only on its own terms, a position rejected by Kyiv. The annual SCO summit brings together Eurasian leaders to discuss political, economic and security issues, with China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kazakhstan among the participants.
India has strengthened its ties with Moscow since the war began, notably through discounted Russian oil purchases, while continuing cooperation in defence, energy, space and transport.
Modi also met the leaders of Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia to discuss regional issues and bilateral ties. With Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, he called for dialogue, diplomacy and protection of civilians and commercial shipping. Talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov focused on the strategic partnership, while discussions with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan covered defence, trade, pharmaceuticals, science, technology, culture and education. Modi also met ‘Friends of India’ groups.
Terrorism takes centre stage at SCO summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to take a united stand against countries that use terrorism as a tool of state policy and end “double standards” in tackling terror financing and recruitment, in remarks widely seen as a reference to Pakistan.
Speaking at the summit in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Modi called on SCO members to dismantle the entire network of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.
Addressing the Middle East crisis, Modi said conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield.
He also stressed that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, a point seen as a reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India opposes because part of it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The central theme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address was a call for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to unite against terrorism. His remarks were widely seen as a reference to Pakistan’s alleged support for terror groups. Modi said terrorism remained a major threat and urged members to tackle its wider ecosystem, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, while rejecting “double standards”.
Modi said the Middle East crisis could affect global energy security, trade and supply chains, stressing that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
He also highlighted the need for peace in Afghanistan and continued humanitarian support. On connectivity, he called for projects that respect national sovereignty, along with smoother customs and more efficient logistics. His SCO vision centred on security, connectivity and opportunity, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people, entrepreneurs and farmers.
PM pays tribute to Gandhi in Bishkek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial during his visit to Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He also interacted with members of different communities in the Kyrgyz capital.
Modi arrived in Bishkek on August 30 to attend the 26th SCO Leadership Summit and hold bilateral meetings with leaders on the sidelines. He was welcomed at the airport by Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, with a traditional dance performance.
At his hotel, Modi was greeted with chants of “Vande Mataram” and watched a yoga performance to “Maa Tujhe Salaam” and a cultural dance based on Lord Shiva.
The 10-member SCO is marking its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the grouping expanded with India and Pakistan joining in 2017, Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.
India-Uzbekistan ties gain momentum
India and Uzbekistan are set to establish a long-term uranium supply arrangement, in a move that could support India’s nuclear energy plans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the agreement after meeting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The two sides are also finalising three sister-city and sister-state agreements. Modi called for a clear roadmap to ensure these partnerships lead to tangible results rather than remaining on paper.
Talks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Uzbekistan visit focused on the New Tashkent project, with Modi offering Gujarat’s GIFT City as a possible model.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called India a “reliable strategic partner”, noting trade had crossed $1 billion and joint ventures had grown sevenfold. The partnership covers trade, investment, education, technology, culture and nuclear energy, while Uzbekistan’s 30-day visa-free entry for Indians is expected to boost tourism and business ties. Modi also received Uzbekistan’s highest honour, the ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order.
He also paid floral tribute at the Shastri Memorial, honouring former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who died in Tashkent in 1966 after signing the Tashkent Declaration. Modi and Mirziyoyev also jointly planted a tree under India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Uzbekistan’s ‘Yashil Makon’ initiatives, highlighting their shared commitment to a greener future.
