Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, where he stressed that the pursuit of a “lasting peace” in Ukraine was not just a diplomatic goal but a humanitarian necessity.
“We have been consistently engaging on the issue of Ukraine. The recent initiatives toward peace are welcome, and we hope all sides will take constructive steps forward. It is essential to end this conflict at the earliest and ensure a path toward enduring peace,” PM Modi said.
Reaffirming the strength of India-Russia ties despite global turbulence, Modi underlined that the partnership has endured even the toughest challenges. India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder in the most testing times. Our close cooperation is vital not only for our two peoples but also for peace, stability, and prosperity at the global level,” he remarked.
Highlighting the depth of his rapport with Putin, the Prime Minister added that every meeting between them had been meaningful. “I always find our interactions memorable, as they give us an opportunity for candid discussions and to build greater trust. We have been in regular contact, and there have been frequent high-level meetings. 140 crore Indians are eagerly awaiting your visit for our 23rd summit in December, which reflects the strength of our special and privileged strategic partnership,” he said.
The meeting came shortly after the United States imposed punitive 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. Washington accused India of indirectly financing Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine — an allegation New Delhi firmly rejected, pointing to Western double standards.
Putin, reciprocating Modi’s warmth, noted that he was pleased to meet the Indian Prime Minister in Tianjin. “SCO serves as a strong platform to unite the Global South and East. December 21, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of our ties being elevated to a ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.’ Our relationship is multi-dimensional, and today’s meeting will further strengthen it. Russia and India share excellent relations,” the Russian President said.
Putin is scheduled to travel to India in December for the annual bilateral summit with Modi. At Tianjin, the two leaders reviewed cooperation in sectors such as energy, economy, and finance, expressing satisfaction at the continued expansion of ties.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions also covered pressing global and regional issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. Modi reiterated India’s support for ongoing peace efforts, emphasising the urgency of ending hostilities and working toward a durable settlement.
