Putin says Modi raises Ukraine war at every meeting, has ‘very good ideas’ for peace

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi raises the Ukraine conflict at every meeting between the two leaders, and has ideas aimed at finding a mutually acceptable way to end the war.

Putin made the remarks while speaking at the annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on Thursday, according to state-run TASS news agency.

Putin said Modi, despite the close relationship between India and Russia, regularly brings up the need to end the conflict and takes a keen interest in efforts to find a resolution.

“He has very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions,” Putin said.

The comments put Modi’s repeated discussions on the Ukraine war with Putin in focus, particularly as India has continued to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

What Putin said about Modi’s discussions on Ukraine

According to Putin, Modi does not limit the issue to occasional discussions. The Russian president said the Prime Minister raises questions about ending the Ukraine conflict during every meeting they have.

Putin described Modi as one of the world leaders who continues to raise the issue despite the two countries’ close and friendly ties.

The remarks come after Modi and Putin met ahead of the BRICS summit in New Delhi last month. During those talks, Putin briefed Modi on the situation surrounding the Ukraine war and ongoing peace initiatives.

A few days before the BRICS summit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had also said Russia would welcome Indian efforts aimed at ending the conflict. Peskov said Moscow’s approach was closely aligned with New Delhi’s position that the issue should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.

The war in Ukraine began in February 2022.

Putin also praises India’s diversity

Putin also spoke about India’s cultural diversity and unity during his Valdai remarks.

He said India’s scale and diversity were striking and referred to a conversation in which Modi had spoken to him about the country’s many languages and its ability to live together despite that diversity.

Putin said India’s experience showed how diversity and unity can coexist and described it as something other countries could learn from.

The comments came as Putin highlighted both Modi’s continued interest in efforts to end the Ukraine conflict and his appreciation of India’s diversity.

With PTI inputs