Putin Says PM Modi Has ‘Good Ideas’ for Resolving Ukraine Conflict

MOSCOW, Oct 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “very good ideas” for achieving a mutually acceptable settlement to the Ukraine conflict and regularly discusses the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to remarks made by the Russian leader at the Valdai International Discussion Club.

Putin said Modi consistently raises the question of ending the conflict during their meetings and takes a close interest in efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.

“As for Prime Minister Modi’s position on ending wars, I can say that he is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good, even friendly relations, including at the personal level, constantly raises the issue and asks questions about ending the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said at the annual forum on Thursday, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.

The Russian president said Modi brings up the matter during every meeting between the two leaders and seeks information about developments surrounding the conflict and efforts to end it.

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

The comments came after Modi and Putin held discussions on the Ukraine war on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi last month. During that meeting, Putin briefed the Indian prime minister on Moscow’s assessment of the situation and developments relating to peace initiatives.

The conflict began in February 2022 and has continued despite several diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing conditions for negotiations.

Russia has previously indicated that it is open to peace initiatives from India. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said shortly before the BRICS summit that Moscow would welcome Indian efforts to facilitate an end to the conflict.

Peskov also said Russia’s approach was broadly consistent with India’s emphasis on resolving international disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

India has maintained regular engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating dialogue and diplomacy as the means to address the conflict. New Delhi has repeatedly stressed the importance of finding a peaceful solution while maintaining its independent diplomatic position.

Putin’s latest remarks highlight the role he attributes to Modi in discussions surrounding possible avenues for ending the war. His comments also reflect the continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries despite the broader international divisions over the conflict.

During the Valdai forum, Putin also spoke about India’s size, cultural diversity and social cohesion, praising the country’s ability to maintain unity despite its linguistic and cultural variety.

The Russian president referred to a conversation with Modi about India’s population and languages. He said Modi had explained that hundreds of millions of Indians speak their native languages, while Hindi is spoken by a large part of the population.

Putin said India’s diversity and unity were remarkable and described the country’s cultural experience as something from which others could learn.

“India cannot fail to amaze with its scale and diversity,” he said.

He added that India’s ability to maintain unity amid its diversity was an example of how different communities and traditions can coexist.

The remarks came as India continues its diplomatic engagement with major powers on international issues, including the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi’s contacts with Moscow have remained regular, while it has also maintained communication with other countries involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding the war.

Putin’s statement that Modi discusses the conflict at every meeting indicates the prominence of the issue in their bilateral conversations. The Russian president’s reference to Modi’s ideas also signals Moscow’s stated willingness to consider diplomatic approaches aimed at achieving a settlement acceptable to the parties involved.

With the Ukraine war continuing to shape international diplomacy, India’s position has remained centred on dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Modi’s interactions with Putin have provided an avenue for discussing the conflict directly while India maintains relations with countries on different sides of the international divide.