Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to prolonged conflicts during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on Monday, reaffirming India’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war and inviting Putin to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
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Modi-Putin meeting focuses on ending Russia-Ukraine war
Modi and Putin held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit after exchanging a warm greeting. During their publicly televised remarks, Modi said every day of war pushed humanity backwards and that the international community must move from managing prolonged wars towards ending them.
The prime minister reiterated that India supported efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful means. The remarks were consistent with New Delhi’s stated position that dialogue and diplomacy should be used to secure a lasting settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Putin said India-Russia relations continued to strengthen under their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. No new bilateral agreement was immediately announced following the meeting.
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The talks followed the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held during Putin’s state visit to New Delhi in December 2025. India and Russia maintain extensive cooperation in energy, defence, trade, fertilisers, education and multilateral forums, including the SCO, BRICS and the G20.
Putin invited to September BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Modi invited Putin and the Russian delegation to attend the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September 2026. The two leaders are expected to continue discussions on bilateral and international issues during the gathering.
The Kremlin had confirmed before the Bishkek meeting that the leaders would review the broader India-Russia relationship. Modi’s invitation came as India holds the BRICS presidency for 2026.
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Modi holds talks with leaders of Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia
Modi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. According to the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, they reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the conflict in West Asia.
Modi expressed concern over regional tensions and reiterated India’s position that disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy. He also called for protecting freedom of navigation and commerce and said civilians, commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must not be harmed.
During separate talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, the two leaders reviewed their countries’ strategic partnership and agreed to strengthen economic, commercial and people-to-people cooperation, including student exchanges and cultural collaboration.
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Modi also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Their discussions covered defence, pharmaceuticals, mining, education, culture and economic cooperation. Pashinyan briefed Modi on the implementation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, according to the PMO.
Modi pays tribute at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Bishkek
Before his diplomatic meetings, Modi laid a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Bishkek and interacted with members of the Indian community. The ANI video of the visit can be viewed below.
<a href="https://
“>View ANI’s video from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Bishkek
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SCO Summit brings leaders of 10 member countries together
The Bishkek summit marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The group comprises India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Founded in 2001 as a regional security forum, the SCO has expanded its agenda to include counterterrorism, economic cooperation, connectivity, energy and cultural engagement. India became a full member in 2017.
Modi is expected to present India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity during the summit. He is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
