Modi, Putin Hold Talks on Margins of Bishkek Summit as India Pushes for Early Peace in Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, holding wide-ranging discussions on trade, energy security, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Modi reiterated New Delhi's stance on resolving the hostilities, emphasizing that peace remains essential for global economic stability. The bilateral meeting forms a core part of India’s diplomatic outreach at the Central Asian gathering, which also sees the participation of several regional heads of state.

Deepening Trade and Energy Ties

The discussion between the two leaders covered a broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation. India’s growing intake of Russian crude oil over recent years formed a key element of the talks, alongside efforts to streamline payment mechanisms for non-dollar bilateral trade.

Both delegations reviewed progress on strategic infrastructure projects, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Modi highlighted the necessity of maintaining robust supply chains to protect Indian markets from global economic volatility, while Putin underscored Moscow's commitment to fulfilling long-term energy contracts with Indian enterprises.

India's Stance on the Ukraine Conflict

Addressing the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe, Modi reiterated that direct dialog and diplomacy remain the only viable pathway forward. India has consistently refrained from explicit public condemnations of Moscow's military actions, opting instead to call for respect for territorial integrity and an immediate cessation of violence.

Modi conveyed to Putin that the impact of the prolonged conflict continues to be felt sharply across the Global South, particularly regarding food, fuel, and fertilizer security. The Prime Minister reaffirmed India's readiness to contribute to any peaceful resolution efforts.

Central Asian Engagement and World Nomad Games

Beyond bilateral matters, the summit venue in Bishkek highlighted Central Asia's growing strategic profile. Alongside high-level security and trade dialogues at the SCO, host nation Kyrgyzstan is preparing to showcase regional cultural heritage through the upcoming World Nomad Games.

The inclusion of cultural and regional sporting events around the summit signals Kyrgyzstan’s focus on leveraging multilateral platforms to boost tourism and soft power across Eurasian nations. For New Delhi, deepening ties with Bishkek and neighboring Central Asian republics remains central to its broader regional security framework and trade connectivity goals.