President Putin Praises India’s Role In Peace Efforts On Ukraine At SCO Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday acknowledged India’s contributions, along with those of other partners, in promoting efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

“We highly value the efforts and proposals of China, India and our other strategic partners, aimed at facilitating the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” President Putin stated during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

The Russian leader also referred to his recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, saying the discussions had created new ground for dialogue.

“The understandings reached at the recent Russian-American summit in Alaska, I hope, are also moving in this direction, opening the way to peace in Ukraine,” he noted.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi shared a photo with President Putin from the sidelines of the summit, where the two leaders exchanged a handshake and an embrace.

Posting the image on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Always a delight to meet President Putin!”

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly underlined India’s consistent stand favouring a peaceful resolution to the conflict and its support for all diplomatic initiatives in this regard.

Call with Zelensky Ahead of SCO Summit

Notably, just before arriving in China from Japan on Saturday, the Prime Minister received a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who updated him on talks with US President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington.

President Zelensky described the conversation as ‘productive and important’, noting that India had conveyed readiness to play a constructive role and share appropriate messages with Russia and other leaders during the SCO meetings.

The Prime Minister later confirmed that he and President Zelensky had discussed the humanitarian situation and ongoing efforts to restore peace.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction.”

On 18 August, President Putin had also spoken directly with the Prime Minister, briefing him on his discussions with President Trump in Alaska.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the outcome of the summit between the US and Russian leaders.