Should move from endless war to end of war, PM Modi tells Russian Prez Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Modi urged a shift from "endless war toward the end of war," emphasizing the global impact of the nearly four-year conflict. The leaders last met in New Delhi in December 2023, marking their first in-person engagement since then.

Modi’s remarks highlighted India’s consistent stance on resolving disputes through dialogue rather than military means. While India has refrained from publicly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has repeatedly advocated for diplomatic solutions. The meeting took place amid rising tensions in the Black Sea, where attacks on merchant vessels have resulted in the deaths of at least five Indian seafarers, disrupting maritime trade and raising safety concerns for Indian nationals.

In his address, Modi stressed the humanitarian cost of prolonged conflict, stating, "Every day spent perpetuating war pushes humanity backwards, and every step taken towards peace fills the whole of humanity with new hope and enthusiasm." He framed peace as a shared global priority, invoking India’s historical commitment to non-violence, rooted in the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha.

The two leaders also reviewed progress in bilateral relations, including trade, energy, and defense cooperation. Bilateral trade turnover grew by 2.6% in the first half of 2024, following a slight decline the previous year, according to Putin. India remains a key partner for Russia in education, with nearly 40,000 Indian students currently studying in Russian universities—a seven-fold increase over the past decade.

Defense ties remain a cornerstone of the relationship, with discussions covering arms deals, technology transfer, and joint ventures. Energy security, particularly in oil and gas, and fertilizer supplies crucial for India’s agricultural sector, were also addressed. The leaders acknowledged the resilience of their strategic partnership despite geopolitical uncertainties.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that trade imbalances and market access issues for Indian exporters were central to the discussions. He noted that India had presented a paper to Russia in 2023 outlining non-tariff barriers affecting Indian goods such as meat, marine products, and dairy. Misri reported "significant progress" in improving market access in these sectors.

Concerns over Indian nationals recruited into the Russian military to fight in Ukraine were also raised. Misri stated that the Indian embassy in Moscow is actively monitoring such cases, with 227 Indians reportedly recruited, 139 discharged, and 51 deceased. He assured that efforts are underway to secure the early discharge and repatriation of remaining recruits.

The leaders are set to meet again in New Delhi during the BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2024. Modi referred to Putin as "my friend" and expressed optimism about further strengthening ties. Both sides emphasized the importance of national interests and mutual benefit in guiding future cooperation.

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