Modi implores tense Putin to end Ukraine war - politico.eu
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine during a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Putin appeared visibly uncomfortable during the exchange, though he maintained that Russia is moving forward with its own path.
Why it matters
This represents a rare, direct public challenge to Putin from a key strategic partner, highlighting growing international pressure on Russia regarding the ongoing conflict.
Putin looked visibly uncomfortable during the meeting in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek on August 31, 2026. | Peter Kovalev/ POOL/AFP via Getty Images August 31, 2026 10:42 pm CET By Alice Taylor Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a visibly uncomfortable Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine for the sake of humanity during a meeting in Kyrgyzstan on Monday.
At a press conference before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Modi called Putin “my friend” and praised significant economic progress between the two countries before switching to the matter of war.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in